To the editor:

I am a member of the citizen group that is working to protect significant trees in the city of Lawrence. We would like to join with the Journal-World in praise of the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department’s tree-planting program. The city of Lawrence is to be commended for spending four times the amount required to be a Tree City USA for its tree-planting program.

Our group is chiefly concerned with the protection of mature trees, many of which are legacy trees, and stands of mature forest in and around Lawrence. We look forward to working with the Parks and Recreation Department, the city forester, utility companies and private landowners to protect this valuable resource.

Richard Morantz,

Baldwin