ABOVE THE WATER LINE

By Sally Bethea

Meanwhile, chain saws, grading machinery and everlarger building footprints continue to destroy the natural infrastructure that keeps our city cool. More than 48,000 healthy trees have been removed over the past six years, while the city only recently regained the same human population it had nearly 50 years ago.

When I spoke with Matt recently, I asked if he thought the ordinance re-write process would continue to be kicked down the road. His immediate response: “Not on my watch.” He pointed to a list of 2020 goals and objectives adopted by his committee: the fourth goal of nine is protection of tree canopy; specifically, the committee expects to have a draft of a revised tree protection ordinance by the end of March, to be adopted by August. Importantly, an audit of the tree recompense (trust) fund is to be aligned with the ordinance adoption.

City Planning Commissioner Tim Keane, who has unfortunately made disparaging remarks about tree protection groups, said a few months ago: “This [process] will take as long as it takes. But, I’m less optimistic now.” Matt and several of his council colleagues have a different timeline and a different attitude. They understand the imperative, as the city prepares for a projected doubling in population by mid-century and temperatures continue to rise. Their goal: a workable tree protection program that actually saves trees, protects public health and enhances our economic security.

Eco Briefs

Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Buckhead has named award-winning architect and INtown columnist Melody L. Harclerode as its new executive director. The 30-acre greenspace on Roswell Road just finished a 3-mile walking trail known as the Blueway Trail under the direction of outgoing Executive Director Kevin McCauley. The project has taken 3 years to complete and Blue Heron raised over $750,000 for trail construction and improvements.

“Blue Heron Nature Preserve has inspired children and adults about nature through the arts, education, conservation, research, and innovative projects for twenty years,” Harclerode said. “Building upon Kevin McCauley’s accomplishments, I am honored to work with the staff, board members, and volunteers, as the new executive director, to boost the impact, support, and appreciation of this amazing green space in Atlanta.”

In honor of Sweep the Hooch celebrating its 10th anniversary, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper is encouraging everyone to fundraise on behalf of their favorite spot on the river using an online donation platform. All funds raised will support the organization’s year-round cleanup efforts, including volunteer opportunities and several in-stream trash collection devices. Sweep the Hooch will take place on Saturday, April 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at more than 40 cleanup sites throughout the watershed, where volunteers will have the opportunity to walk, wade or paddle to gather trash. Volunteers should register for their site by March 30. Once a site reaches its capacity, registration for that particular site will close. Individual registration is required, but family, friends, coworkers and neighbors are welcome to sign up as a team to clean up their community together. For more information on how to register or how to support Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s cleanup efforts, visit sweepthehooch.org.

Georgia River Network’s Paddle Georgia 2020 is set for June 20-27 on the Flint River between Thomaston and Montezuma/Oglethorpe. This 7-day, 99-mile river adventure is considered the largest week-long canoe/kayak camping adventure in the country with more than 300 people expected to participate. Registration is now open at garivers.org. Registration fees for adults range from $120 for 2-day options to $425 for the full week. The trip is limited to the first 450 registrants. The journey will take participants through what is arguably the most scenic stretch of river in the state – the Pine Mountain escarpment and Sprewell Bluff area in Upson, Talbot and Meriwether counties.

“I’ve been involved with the community since 1960 and I was on the very first board here at Saint Anne’s Terrace. It’s a beautiful part of town and the best part about living here is the wonderful family atmosphere in which everyone gets along.”