New Haven Register (Sunday) (New Haven, CT)
State government must do more to protect our trees
Gov. Ned Lamont is taking many good steps to lower Connecticut’s greenhouse gas emissions, making the state more environmentally resilient to climate change. Now it’s time for the governor to take action to protect our trees, our strongest natural allies in our efforts to maintain biodiversity and slow climate change. Perhaps you’ve noticed all the work removing trees along parts of the Wilbur Cross Parkway? We have, and we don’t understand it.
Both the Wilbur Cross and the Merritt parkways were conceived as linear parks, beautiful places for drivers. In addition to beauty, the trees and shrubs along those roads — and many others in our state — provide essential benefits. Trees and shrubs help calm drivers, reducing road rage. Properly planted, they can provide protection for vehicles that leave the road. They can help with sun glare, reduce the road noise in nearby neighborhoods, and dramatically lower the air and surface temperature on the road.
Of ongoing importance, trees everywhere help clean our air, capture and store carbon, reduce flooding and erosion by holding rainfall in place, and improving property values. Along parkways and highways, they often provide corridors that support wildlife and allow it to migrate safely. And if that is not enough, our beautiful autumn trees boost tourism, bringing many visitors to our state on our parkways and other roads. Is it really OK for the Department of Transportation to sacrifice thousands of trees and all of the benefits they provide because of fear of a possible accident?
So why is Connecticut’s DOT cutting trees along the parkway? An explanation on their website, posted in 2003, says “the department is removing trees and brush, healthy and unhealthy, that exist within the ‘clear zone.’ The ‘clear zone’ is an unobstructed area beyond the edge of the roadway that provides an unencumbered, impact-free buffer or clear area for errant vehicles that unintentionally exit the roadway travel surface. The clear zone on all major highways with design speeds of 60 mph is 30 feet plus.” Last we looked, the speed limit on the Merritt and the Wilbur Cross is 55 miles per hour. The Connecticut DOT goes on to say, “the department understands the aesthetic and environmental value of healthy vegetation and trees.” They can and must do better.
The DOT reports to the governor. Gov. Lamont needs to hold the DOT to a much higher standard as they decide which trees need to be removed. In the interest of sustainability, requiring review of the DOT plans by an independent arborist is a crucial first step. Legislation to advocate for conservation is needed as well. In 2019, state Rep. Michael D’Agostino submitted a bill, HB 5308, which would have provided guidelines to ensure the accountability, oversight and transparency needed of the DOT regarding trees that grow along our highways. This bill should be re-examined and reintroduced in the next session.
Our trees are indispensable in the fight against climate change. We are living in an environmental crisis and a sixth extinction. We cannot afford to lose our most important workers — trees — especially those that are not remotely hazardous. The United
Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and countless other experts are showing us that destroying our natural world is the path to our own demise. We are running out of time. As Earth Day founder Sen. Gaylord Nelson said, “The wealth of the nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats and biodiversity ... that’s all there is. That’s the whole economy. That’s where all the economic activity and jobs come from. These biological systems are the sustaining wealth of the world.”
Connecticut residents must take action now. Don’t set aside your outrage and sadness over the loss of these trees. Tell your town leaders, state legislators and the governor that it’s urgent to protect the trees that grow along our state-owned town roads and highways. Please contact Governor Lamont at 860-566-4840 or governor.lamont@ct.gov with this important message today.