The Editor,
Re. "Tree loss anger 'eco-hysterics,' says O'Neill" (The Tri-City News, April 18).
What is the most appealing thing about the nicest neighbourhoods in the Vancouver area? Think of established communities such as Kitsilano, Dunbar and Crescent Beach?
Trees. Old, large trees. Every appealing neighbourhood has them and property values reflect that.
The city of Coquitlam is a perfect example of a community with incredible potential that seems to be blowing the opportunity to encourage beautiful residential areas by protecting the green infrastructure that was there first. It is unfortunate and short-sighted for municipal governments to ignore the value of trees in sequestering carbon and contributing to our approach to dealing with climate change.
With every healthy, mature tree we lose in our urban area, we also lose so much more: economic value, biodiversity and truly healthy, appealing, liveable and sustainable communities.
Laura Dupont, Port Coquitlam
