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. • ., <br /> A number of issues must be addressed: <br /> 1. Tree failure in Hendricks Park often involves perfectly healthy trees that <br /> • succumb to high winds in conjunction with super - saturated soils. Correction of <br /> irrigation and drainage problems, as part of an overall park management plan, <br /> would help to resolve the situation. <br /> 2. When diseased trees fall in the park, it is usually the result of root rot rather <br /> that stem disease. Again, over - irrigation is a contributing factor to root disease <br /> and should be considered as part of the solution. <br /> 3. A number of knowledgeable individuals have voiced the opinion that removal <br /> of these 18 trees will alter the existing forest canopy in such a manner that <br /> additional risk of blowdown will be created in the park. <br /> 4. Inevitably there is risk when standing trees and humans interact. As with tall <br /> buildings and telephone poles, trees can fall when conditions are "right." <br /> Unless we advocate removal of all structures taller than a human, natural and <br /> man-made, we must accept a certain level of risk. <br /> 5. While the city may be rightfully concerned about liability for damage or injury <br /> from falling trees, no legal opinion regarding this situation has been issued by <br /> the city attorney. That is fundamental information. <br /> 6. Perhaps most disturbing is that the city has called for public participation and <br /> input into a process with an apparently foregone conclusion. Despite <br /> considerable time and effort on the part of the volunteer citizen committee <br /> which seemed to result in recommendations quite similar to those of the urban <br /> forester, the city has maintained its original position to cut all 18 trees <br /> immediately. Rather than an open process wherein carefully researched citizen <br /> input helps to inform and modify a city decision, we seem to have the mere <br /> appearance of an open process in which the city apparently never had any <br /> intention of seriously considering citizen participation. <br /> Ms. Elmer, we ask that you and the City Council intervene in this matter and insist <br /> that the city consider and incorporate the input from the citizen committee and other <br /> citizen experts before removing these trees from Hendricks Park. Please do not let <br /> this become an example of callous decision - making that ignores informed citizen <br /> participation. We all desire a park which is safe for neighbors and visitors, but also <br /> must recognize that there will always be an dement of risk involved in our lives. <br /> 2 <br />