To the editor:

In light of emerging information that trees near Watson Park may be cut down in order to protect Westar’s power lines and assuming those lines cannot be buried and the mature trees cannot be transplanted, it’s important that we as a community consider what we can do to make the best of a very sad situation.

Local carpenters committed to sustainability have incorporated felled trees into their construction. For example, trees from the 2006 microburst have been transformed into local tabletops and cabinets. If every opportunity to save the trees has been considered and they must go, the city and Westar should take the extra steps of ensuring the lumber stays in our community and is used in ways that respect the beauty and shelter those trees provided.

There is an additional opportunity to promote sustenance and support the community when determining what trees will be planted in place of the current trees. Planting new trees requires time, energy, labor and inputs such as water and soil nutrients. Using those resources to grow pesticide-free fruit trees rather than simply flowering ones allows us to maximize our green space, demonstrate a practical and sustainable use of our limited resources, and, in a small but meaningful way, nourish our community.