Trouble's a brewin' in Louisville (and no, I don't mean that new libation down at BBC).  Bowman Field, the regional airport in Louisville, and the Louisville Regional Aiport Authority (LRAA) (the governing body for Bowman Field and Louisville International Airport) is beginning a process of conforming to new Federal Aviation Administration standards.  These new standards are required for Bowman Field (and other regional airports nationwide) due to the types of aircraft that currently fly in and out of the airport.  Part of these new standards includes removal of obstructions within a specific distance from the runways and at a certain height, but the FAA has directed the LRAA to especially focus on vegetation, i.e., trees.  

To begin the process, the LRAA recently informed residents around the airport that their properties may be in these specific zones that might require trees being trimmed or removed.  In order to determine whether a specific tree on a specific property does, in fact, need to be removed, the LRAA is planning to have a survey, or inventory, of all trees around the airport done to assist in the process.  The LRAA will be paying all costs associated with trimming or removal, and is proposing to compensate property owners for trees that must be removed by replacing them with two low-canopy ornamental/decidous trees, and offering yard restoration for impacts, and re-landscaping allowance up to $2500. (For more information, check out the LRAA website for it, under Proposed Bowman Field Airport Area Safety Program).

These are the facts of the case, your honor.  Now, we present our argument.

For a moment, just close your eyes and picture a tree (now open them so that you can read this).  So beautiful, so amazing at so many things--a true natural multi-tasker.  For example, did you realize that the roots of trees can hold soil in place and prevent erosion?  And while the roots are doing this, the leaves are absorbing sunlight and converting it into food so that the tree can continue to grow (of course, all us humans have come to know this phenomenom as pho-to-syn-the-sis).  Of course, the photosynthesis equation also involves the uptake of CO2 (greenhouse gas) by the tree, and the release of this human-life-allowing gaseous element called Oxygen.  Oh, and while this is happening, the bark of the tree is working to protect the tree from potential pests and prey.  Then, there's the whole awesome thing of trees creating "micro-climates" that help reduce energy demands for property owners.  OH, OH, and then the best part--every time it rains the leaves of the trees work as a natural rainwater control mechanism, intercepting the rain as it falls.  This allows part of the rainfall to evaporate back into the atmosphere, and slows the rest of the rainfall to prevent a deluge of stormwater flowing towards the local creek. THEN, going back to the roots, they immediately begin sucking up that excess water that has fallen to the ground, and they also uptake certain pollutants via fungi (mychorrhizae) that are often attached to the roots system.

Shewy.  And heck, that doesn't even include the aesthetic value of trees to each of us, and the calming effect they have on our emotions.  Trees (and views of other natural vegetation) have even been proven to increase recovery rates in hospitals.  

Diagram of all this?  Here (via treesaregood.com).

And this cool graphic--check out those roots! (via deercreekalliance.org)

Clearly, trees do a lot, which is why arborists, those who have studied the cultivation and management of trees, have tried to assign monetary value to trees over the years.  Why not, right?  Even folks in real estate admit openly that trees on the property add to the value of the property--the more mature, the higher the value.  

So, with all that being said, let's return to the issue of Bowman Field.  If the LRAA is proposing to remove trees from private properties, trees that perform all these functions, and add value to the private properties, and to the neighborhoods collectively, then should the LRAA not be considering those values for the compensation package?  

The LRAA has even admitted that, since property owners have a right to refuse to allow the LRAA to do this, that they may resort to using eminent domain (condemnation) via the Kentucky Revised Statutes (which give them the authority to do so).  If they do this, they will be required to provide just compensation for what is being "taken."  This should include the true value of the tree--ecologic, aesthetic, and economic value.   

At this point, 2 small trees, which may grow to 25-30 foot tall trees over 25 years, is not equitable, in any sense, to 50-100 year old trees that are up to 100 feet tall or more  (for the record, some of the trees surrounding Bowman have an assessed value of nearly $200,000).  The offering of $2500 for landscaping seems more of a peace offering.  For the sake of the local Louisville residents, and the local environment, I hope the LRAA revises its current plans, and considers the full impacts of this proposal.  Of course, there's always the alternative--that Bowman Field simply not comply, and subsequently have to change its current aircraft support capabilities.  We will certainly be keeping tabs on it, given its potential to directly impact Beargrass Creek through tree removal, and through increased stormwater runoff.

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