Dozens rally to save trees

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Dozens rallied to protect several trees at Barton Springs Pool from getting the ax Saturday. They gave speeches and hung posters to save the trees.

The city hired a private company to survey 46 trees in the area. Tree experts tagged 22 trees at high risk and a threat to public safety.

Many people, who wanted to keep the trees alive, were skeptical of the company's results and opposed chopping down the trees. Instead, they recommended an alternative such as pruning and conditioning the soil.

"These trees are not about to cause problems," said Nickey Bishop, Certified Arborist. "This is not an imminent tragedy about to happen."

"Obviously, this whole process is very emotionally charged," said Walter Passmore, City of Austin Forester.

Passmore understood why people were so upset.

"Everyone has very strong opinions of what we should not do and what we should not do with trees," said Passmore.

City officials are taking suggestions and public input. The Urban Forestry Board Hearing is open to the public Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

links:
http://www.cityofaustin.org/news/2009/downloads/bsptrees_report_2009.pdf
http://www.savethezilkertrees.com/Events.html