The tree massacre on Dream Island hurts me. Over 100 trees were completely removed. I have worked in landscaping and conservation for over 20 years and can testify to the value of these trees. For people. For the climate. For animals.

That the owners of Dream Island have chosen to have the trees cut down and removed rather than hire an arborist to do a risk assessment is sheer laziness. To make matters worse, Dream Island names its rental studios after those very trees! Aspen Studio, Cottonwood Studio, Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce. Where are those aspens, poplars, Douglas Firs and spruces, Dream Island? In a shredder somewhere.

It is tragic that profits are being put ahead of the environment. Given the increases in property rents over the years, Dream Island is probably making a nice profit. Climate change is a real problem. The values ​​of Dream Island’s owners clearly do not lie in conservation, habitat preservation, protecting nature, the comfort of their tenants, or the benefit of the Steamboat community. Unfortunately, this poor decision cannot be reversed.

On the other hand, the Yampa Valley Housing Authority recently had tree trimming work done at the Fish Creek Mobile Home Park. A tree trimming company was hired, an assessment was done, and only at-risk and damaged trees were removed to maintain shade for residents and habitat for wildlife. Let’s recognize and support organizations like the YVHA that benefit our community. And hopefully the owners of Dream Island can give up in favor of someone who is taking basic steps to help the Steamboat community with their profits. Unfortunately, as with their endless increase in lot rents, there is no way to fight this tragic, profit-driven decision.

Mark Anderson
Steamboat Springs