To the editor:

I am writing to bring an issue, already the subject of a New York Times article, to the attention of the Lawrence community. This article has exceptional relevance to our city because it addresses the worrisome loss of mature trees to massive commercial development in urban areas.

I have watched dozens if not hundreds of mature, gorgeous, healthy trees being destroyed for the sake of further development in the past six months. As the Times tells us: “The concerns are not just aesthetic: Over the last decade, a host of studies have underscored the role of trees – especially mature ones – as ‘green infrastructure’ that help reduce air-conditioning and energy costs, intercept storm-water runoff, capture dust and other pollutants, curb the effect of greenhouse gases and increase property values. A study by the University of Washington even found that people shopped longer and more often in tree-lined retail areas and spent about 12 percent more money.” (New York Times, Jan 30.)

I urge the Lawrence City Commission to follow the lead of cities mentioned in the article and pass a law regulating the private destruction of mature, healthy trees. This will be an instrumental measure to preserve the quality of life we all appreciate so much in Lawrence.

Stephanie Kirme – Lawrence