Recently the Alexandria Mayor and City Council have been preparing a new policy which they hope will retain and encourage trees within the city. The proposal places a premium on protecting and growing "tree cover" on properties to achieve a variety of ecological, cultural and economic goals. While the policy articulates requirements for private lands including cemeteries owned by churches it seems to overlook the importance of
retaining trees on city-owned lands.
retaining trees on city-owned lands.
This week a contractor for the City of Alexandria was busy cutting trees within Fort Ward HIstoric Park, as well as on adjacent private properties. In addition, city leaders have marked other trees throughout the park for removal with a "red paint mark".
Tree-pruning and selective tree removal makes sense and is consistent with the Fort Ward Parks Management Plan. However, some of the trees that have been removed, or are proposed for removal, are historic in terms of their age and as cultural landscape elements.
The management of Fort Ward almost always requires an interdisciplinary approach between two, or more, of the city departments with responsibility for the historic park. If one of the multiple departments active at the historic park take action without the meaningful engagement and cooperation of the others mistakes will be made which will damage the park and undercut the Mayor and City Council's efforts to protect and sustain Alexandria's tree cover.
Fort Ward Observer
J. Glenn Eugster
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