Belmont Among Historic Sites Added to the Virginia Landmarks Register

Belmont Among Historic Sites Added to the Virginia Landmarks Register

Posted: Dec 19, 2017 10:20 AM EST

Updated: Dec 19, 2017 10:29 AM EST

Edited by John Early

12/19/2017 Release from the Department of Historic Resources:

http://www.nbc29.com/story/37099596/belmont-among-historic-sites-added-to-the-virginia-landmarks-register#.WjpZpMoLM1Q.facebook

Eleven Historic Sites Added To The Virginia Landmarks Register – AlexandriaNews

Eleven Historic Sites Added To The Virginia Landmarks Register – AlexandriaNews

http://www.alexandrianews.org/2017/12/eleven-historic-sites-added-to-the-virginia-landmarks-register/

Tree Removal Continues at Fort Ward

Tree Removal Continues at Fort Ward

December 22, 2017. Alexandria, VA. Contractors who work for the City of Alexandria continued to cut-down large healthy deciduous trees within and adjacent to Fort Ward Park. The trees which were removed pre-date the creation of the historic park and may have been some of the oldest in this area of Alexandria. Yesterday Mayor Silberberg's office was contacted about this work, which seems counter to the efforts of the Mayor and City Council's recent proposal to protect existing tree cover and plant new trees. At this time the Mayor's office has not responded to yesterday's letter. 


Fort Ward Observer 
J. Glenn Eugster

City Actions Contradicts Council Tree Cover Policy/ Amendment.

December 21, 2017

Dear Mayor Silberberg,

I hope this note finds you well.  

Attached is a brief note I put out moments ago about tree removal in Fort Ward.  Several moments ago trees were removed in questionable locations and I directed questions to various managers in the appropriate departments.  Unfortunately your city safe either didn't know the answers or ignored my communications.  This tree removal began again and a number of trees are targeted for removal.

What is going on here at the historic park seems to be at odds what you and Council are trying to do with the tree cover policy/ amendment.  

My Fort Ward Observer Facebook page has many more photos and I would be happy to answer any questions or have a conversation with your staff.  The old trees in Fort Ward and the City of Alexandria have a historic value and people hold them near and dear to their hearts as I'm sure you do.  Anything you can do to help the public make sense out of actions in the park will be most appreciated.

Here's hoping your holidays have been and will be joyous and safe.  

All my best,

Glenn

J. Glenn Eugster

4022 Ellicott Street

Alexandria, VA. 22304

City Removes Trees & Targets More Cutting in Fort Ward Park.

 City Removes Trees & Targets More Cutting in Fort Ward Park.

December 21, 2017. Alexandria, VA.

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.

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