Encouragement from an Officer of the International Oak Society

  From: Strhlfrst
  Sent: 03/20/2011 12:55 PM EDT
  Subject: Re: Registered Baton Rouge LA Live Oaks Threatened

    Each governmental entity makes its own rules. The main protection offered by membership in LOS is the assurance that a tree has been recognized under standard and nationally consistent review criteria as something special and worthy of efforts to preserve it. Unless Baton Rouge, the State of Louisiana, or some other local entity has enacted a tree preservation ordinance incorporation LOS status, that membership does not provide legal standing. Nonetheless, LOS recognition carries considerable weight with the public and the press, and their chairman, Mrs. Coleen Landry, has fought some surprisingly successful battles against those who would needlessly destroy great trees.

    I would suggest working with her to identify some options to bring this problem before the people. Make use of the membership status of the trees to reinforce your assertions that the trees are extraordinary, seek help from local/state organizations and media outlets, and seek help from potentially sympathetic public officials.  

    There are many people in Baton Rouge who appreciate and treasure the old live oaks there. While I personally know only a few, they could place you in touch with others. Seek that help from people such as Cary Saurage ( CaryII@aol.com) and Jill Rehn ( JRehn92471@aol.com). Contact the folks at LSU for additional help or referrals. Speak with your local garden club. Keep working with Rebecca Allen. Form a neighborhood association for the trees, enlisting those whose trees or views would be affected. Seek a legal injunction pending further analysis. 

    Good luck -- I find it sad that so many of us must drop other work to fight such battles, but I do it often and I do win a fair portion of those fights, so hang in there. 

Guy S.

Guy Sternberg
Starhill Forest Arboretum of Illinois College
12000 Boy Scout Trail
Petersburg, IL 62675 (USA)
1-217-632-3685
Guy@StarhillForest.com
http://www.starhillforest.com/