We would like to applaud the Gazette’s recent coverage of the climate crisis. As the youth organizers of the Climate Strike have stated, the climate is everything now. To this end, we believe that climate change should be considered in every decision and action by every municipal body and official.
Recently, our Public Shade Tree Committee attended a planning board hearing about the removal of some very large trees for a new development. The outcome was never in doubt — the trees would be removed — not because the board isn’t supportive of trees, but because the board bases its decisions on regulations and technicalities, like setbacks, frontage, zoning and waivers. This basis for municipal decision-making has been in place for decades.
We cannot continue to do things this way. Today, as the apocalypse of climate change becomes ever clearer and closer, we must give our full support to protecting and expanding our urban forests. This is especially true given the pivotal role trees play in balancing the earth’s health. All developments must seek to protect standing trees on-site and find room to plant more.
Henry Lappen
Nonny Burack
Amherst
The writers are members of the Amherst Public Shade Tree Committee.