Common-sense safety
measure
If you are passionate
about gun control please forgive the next few sentences. But it is true: Governments
are often susceptible to the decision process of “load, fire, aim.”
But three little
reflectors on a short metal post in front of a giant redwood close to a highway
we were traveling during October made me think that Oregon got it right on one
thing. The reflectors are apparently a practical, simple, fiscally responsible way
to alert drivers to avoid crashing into that substantial tree occupying the
shoulder of the road. We saw a number of those giants close to the edge of the
pavement, and the little reflectors announced each one.
Although I love the
redwoods, I am glad those ancient trees are not along any highways in my state. I
base that opinion on the fate of the wide median of a highway I traveled
frequently at one time. I was driving at least once a week the
90 miles to my mother’s to visit or to take her to doctors’ appointments. I
enjoyed the calming beauty and variety--pine trees interspersed with dogwoods, cypress,
red maples, the occasional wild plum tree, pecan trees and other species.
Then one day heavy
equipment was bulldozing the trees and scraping the median bare. An outcry did
save a small grove of live oaks planted many years ago.
I still don’t know what
the highway department powers that be had against woods and the critters
dependent on that vegetation. But the few news reports I saw never mentioned
any consideration of simpler, less drastic actions. The trees that added such
color and grace to that drive were gone. Arggghhhhh.
This is a really great idea! I hope it did not take a lot of wrecks before they finally did this.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Oregon's care of its people and trees. Can't imagine what they were thinking of in your area by bulldozing the median.
ReplyDeleteIt always upsets me when trees are cut down. Wish there were more tall trees in my neighborhood.
ReplyDeletehere in Florida they raped the land with bull dozers for years and years.. finally much to late it is now against the law to remove trees without a permit and they don't give out many permits. we have several streets that were built aroudn 150 year old oak trees. they split the roads.
ReplyDeleteIt breaks my heart to see a living tree cut down. Necessary is one thing, but when unnecessarily cut down really hurts. Don't they know the benefits of trees?
ReplyDeleteBarbarians at the gate I fear. Dianne
ReplyDeleteRedwoods are such proud stately trees. I feel like I am in a cathedral when I am there.
ReplyDeleteWe have had a huge uproar in our area over trees too.
A huge stand of ancient Oaks seems to be the target of land mongers. Right now things are at a standstill and I hope cooler heads will prevail.
Sick trees are one thing but clear cutting makes no sense to me.
Have a great day Linda.
I'm happy to see the sun peaking its nose out from behind the clouds today.