Dear Editor:
An open letter to District of West Vancouver mayor and council:
I would like to comment on the tree situation in the municipality.
People reside in West Vancouver predominately for its proximity to the water and mountains, and the views that it provides. If left unrestrained, the tree canopy will slowly obliterate peoples’ views. The worst offenders are the evergreens that grow at a prodigious rate.
The vast majority of evergreen trees are either volunteers or hedges that have grown out of control. The only deliberately planted trees are deciduous, which tend to be small and restrict views to a lesser extent and provide a partial view for six months of the year.
It appears that residents are happy to have huge trees and overgrown hedges behind their property, restricting their neighbour’s view, but not a stick in front. This selfishness will only be exacerbated by the proposed restriction on silviculture.
If the restrictions proposed are implemented, we will slowly be reduced to a forested community with no view access to either the water or the mountains.
Might I suggest, as a compromise, that when an evergreen tree is removed a deciduous tree is planted in its place.
Robert C. Follows
West Vancouver
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