Target: Jessica Bowron, Director of National Park Service
Goal: Protect trees from invasive pollinators and unwarranted cutting.
Tree planting has been promoted by current U.S. leadership. Yet a pair of controversies has cast doubt on the sincerity of these efforts. The first incident involves renovations proposed by the president at a popular Washington, DC golf course. Before the renovations were approved, five dozen trees were reportedly cut down. The proposed redesign apparently does not include a historic grove of cherry trees – the oldest in the city – or a number of public recreation areas. The proposal is being challenged in court.
Likewise, chestnut trees recently planted in the proximity of the White House drew their own criticism. The trees were genetically modified. Necessary steps to prevent the trees from pollinating and competing with native trees seemingly did not take place. If these modified trees overtake the natural chestnut trees in the region, they could create uncertainty for the species and for surrounding ecosystems.
Sign the petition below to demand the nation’s park service stop taking a hands-off approach to this governmental intrusion onto valued landscapes created of and for the people.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director Bowron,
The tree cuttings and installations that recently took place at the East Potomac Links Golf Course and at the White House, respectively, were reportedly made without prior authorization or approval. The potential removal of prized cherry trees on the golf course has already drawn legal challenges. At the same time, the planting of genetically modified chestnut trees has ignited scientific debate about the dangers of transgenic pollination and the possibility of this very outcome because of alleged violations of the Department of Agriculture directive “to ensure confinement of the regulated article to prevent its unauthorized release, dispersal, and/or persistence in the environment.”
Please evaluate these projects and ensure all safety protocols are followed to the letter. Enforce this department’s stated mission to protect America’s parks and public spaces from harm.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Vanvlitp
