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Tampa's trees deserve better
A Times Editorial
Published May 10, 2005
These are dangerous times for trees in Tampa. Despite a chopping binge in the late '90s and several high-profile butcherings of supposedly protected trees, Tampa's City Council has backed away from a recommendation to protect the landscape.
A panel formed by council member Linda Saul-Sena called for better protecting grand trees and for safeguarding roots from being damaged by deadly nicks and cuts. Tougher protection is not only appropriate given how Tampa's tree ordinance has been disregarded, but the red-hot real estate market increases the risks to the landscape. Aside from their beauty, trees help conserve energy, guard against soil erosion and reduce air pollution.
The council instead agreed to give the staff time to better enforce the laws on the books. That should happen anyway. There's no reason the city cannot simultaneously protect more trees while improving its job performance. It was the wrong signal to send, and the council should reconsider.
[Last modified May 10, 2005, 01:02:19]
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