“I speak for the trees, because the trees have no tongues.”

— “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss

While driving along some of the local gravel roads south of Superior, the new Bennett Township Council Chairman noticed two very old, tall white pines on the side of Summer Road. Since that day, he appears to have been lobbying to have the trees cut down. Citing Wisconsin state law regarding vegetation in road easements, he considered the trees a safety hazard that could pose a major financial burden in the event that a drunk or other driver hits the trees and sues the township. He put the issue on the council’s agenda in June.

A Summer Road resident happened to see the agenda and brought it to the attention of others. Letters of objection were sent, the three board members were called, and a handful of residents attended the meeting to protest the possibility of cutting down these historic, iconic trees. Under pressure, the council agreed to give residents two months to find an alternative to cutting down the trees.

On August 12, the Summer Road white pines were again on the board’s agenda. This time, many more residents were in attendance, and there was an hour of heated debate and protest (“Bennett residents work to save giant pines,” August 14), with many expressing frustration and anger.

One woman, whose family history has been linked to the road for nearly 100 years, was close to tears as she spoke of the beauty and historical value of the stately white pines. Another woman mentioned that she hugs the trees on her daily walk with her dog. She also spoke of the fact that since the road was built, there has never been an accident reported involving the trees, and how slim the likelihood is that one will ever happen.

(Posted by Laura Star)

Under public pressure, the city council reluctantly postponed the decision again, this time until October 14.

I, too, love the trees and can’t imagine losing their beauty, shade and power along the short, gravel cul-de-sac. Residents are working together to find alternatives that will protect the municipality from liability. Perhaps there is an organization in Wisconsin or nationally that has found a way to protect valuable trees like these.

This is not a new problem. All over our planet, people trust in the grace and beauty of trees. And everywhere, governments have destroyed that sanctity by cutting down trees. It is an old story that must change.

In the end, it has traditionally always been about money and corporate profits. And these cannot be used forever by city and district councils, mayors, state parliaments, regional parliaments and the federal government without taking into account humanity’s need for natural spaces.

Quality of life must become the new top priority. Our relationship with nature is increasingly recognized as a fundamental need for emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health. The global popularity of forest bathing is a testament to this.

We need trees. Tall, old, stately trees. We need to walk on the ground and feel our connection to our only home: the Earth. It’s not easy to speak to government bodies. It can be intimidating. But staying silent perpetuates the outdated status quo, and that doesn’t work anymore.

I speak for the trees and hope others do too. Help us save these majestic trees.

Laura Star of Lake Nebagamon is a freelance writer, artist and tai chi teacher.