Re: Weekend Sun ‘Lawyer recalls fight to save historic aspen tree'
Firstly, in respect to all other lawyers I will refer to the gentleman as Michael Batchelor.
In his wisdom of saving the Aspen tree for future generations to admire likewise with the council they have together failed our future generations.
If you do the maths 32 years ago when council wanted to cut the tree down, plus the up to 30 years that Steve Webb from City Council Parks believes with expert advice the tree could possibly live for, this is nearly half the current age of the tree today.
If the council and Michael Batchelor continue to save and manicure the Aspen tree then following 30 years from now our future generations will inherit a 62 year period of no mature Aspen tree.
Simply and of common sense value had the Council along with Michael Batchelor 32 years ago at the time of their agreement to disagree selected a suitable area and planted an Aspen tree then I believe Tauranga and its population would continually have a mature Aspen tree for future generations to admire.
Don't get me wrong about cutting down trees as I do love trees and yes, the Aspen tree is a beautiful specimen, but as all experts including the Rotorua Forest Research Institute has identified the current Aspen tree will not live forever. Sustainability is a wonderful thing but be careful not to trip up on your own by-laws.
Peter Lowes, Oropi.