TREES: Can't live without 'em

I would like to add a couple of comments to Bill Irving’s article, No. 1 “Amen” and No. 2 “Trees.” One of nature’s biggest enemies to carbon dioxide is trees. Without them Earth would not have a breathable atmosphere.

In the name of progress we cut down these natural defenders of our oxygen source without any thought of possibly replacing them. If one will take the time to drive around the Coeur d’Alene area they will see where this has happened.

A good example of this is on Ramsey Road between Hanley Avenue and Prairie Avenue. Ever since Ramsey Road was widened to four lanes, traffic in this area has increased proportionally. Recently a developer has purchased a sizeable plot of ground in this area — I am guessing at least 40 acres — which was heavily timbered; this has now been cut down except for a token amount of trees, which were left to enhance the layout of the development. This fairly large lot of natural air purification in this heavily traveled area is now lost.

Would it be unreasonable to enact a code of building that would require a developer to provide for replacement of trees when large stands, as mentioned above, are involved? This would require strong local guidance, but I am sure there are areas that could be replanted that would once again enhance our natural local air purification system.

Developers I am sure would balk at the idea, but they just might gain more acceptance once the general public realized the developer had a genuine interest in maintaining the local air quality as related to carbon dioxide, oxygen and trees.

We are constantly finding ways and means, “funds,” to improve our water quality. How about a little bit toward the air we breathe?

To Bill Irving, thank you.

FRED HAMELRATH

Hayden