Did you know that during its period of “historic significance” in 1904, Monroe Park boasted 362 trees of 26 species? Today, the Park has only 155 trees of 23 species- less than half of what they had back then. The Monroe Park Masterplan calls for replanting treestock to replace many trees both on the sidewalk perimeter (which will become brick sidewalk) as well as the Park’s interior. Trees benefit us all by shading us from the heat, filtering pollutants from the air and decreasing stormwater runoff by absorbing rainwater. It has been said that “the best time to plant a tree is 10 years ago”. While documents are being prepared for the infrastructure needs of the Park, the replanting of new trees in construction safe areas should begin NOW. The cost TO THE CITY is relatively low and the sooner we plant, the sooner we can enjoy the benefits. We need to get the message out that TREE REPLANTING AND MAINTENANCE is of major importance to the lovers of Monroe Park. SO I ASK THIS FAVOR! Please take a minute now and email your SUPPORTIVE COMMENTS ON REPLANTING and MAINTAINING TREES in MONROE PARK to:

information@monroepark.com

and CC it to:

Rachel.Flynn@richmondgov.com

We have another month to plant this season and we can get a lot done next season but these people need to know how important an issue this is to you. It will take many years to recover the historic canopy IF WE START NOW. so thanks for showing your TREE love. Please pass it on and thanks again.

Todd Woodson.

The Times Dispatch reports

In addition, residents would pay more for gas, water and waste-water disposal. Property owners would pay a new annual storm-water fee to fund utility projects.

No surprise here, we tried to warn our fellow citizens. I guess we can join SaveRichmond.com in saying, we told you so.

And we continue to ask: What will be VCU’s rate?

As usual, white elephant schemes distract from this and other important issues.

From the Times Dispatch:

State officials hold meetings to discuss bacteria in James
These meetings are TODAY.

This post on the local Sierra Club’s blog is important.

A couple of quick thoughts:

One way that Oregon Hill residents can help keep bacteria out of the James River is by cleaning up after their pets properly. We can also use less lawn and garden fertilizer. Hopefully, growing our own food lessens agricultural runoff overall. Of course trees are also important in this. All Richmond neighborhoods should be taking measures.

As for the City’s proposed stormwater utility fee, there’s no doubt that Richmond needs to do more to lessen its stormwater runoff. And for environmental reasons, it should be supported. However, it still needs more scrutiny. The local Green Party has it clear that the City has been overcharging its citizens for water for years. In fact, though the water rates were slightly reformed this past year, the City’s minimum water rates are still among the highest in the country (while it sells water to the surrounding counties, who in turn, charge their citizens LESS than the City does!). So where is all this money going? We are talking tens of millions of dollars, maybe more, of taxpayer dollars for a PUBLIC utility. And if the City starts charging residents the stormwater utility fee, again, where is all THAT money going? Is it really going towards preventing and not just piping and controlling stormwater runoff?

Citizens need to start asking more, better questions of their local civic leaders.