Reconsider felling so many trees

Straits Times Forum 16 Oct 12;

I AM part of a regular group of walkers who use the jungle trail leading to the Tree Top Walk in MacRitchie Reservoir.

Recently, many big trees on the trail were cut down.

When we inquired why this was so, we were told by National Parks Board (NParks) staff that a soldier was killed recently by a falling tree, albeit in another location ("NSman's death: Tree was checked in April"; Sept 29).

So far, about 40 trees have been cut, with the total number expected to be 50 or so, we were told.

While the incident is one in which a life was lost, it is such a waste to cut down so many majestic and old trees, which may have taken many decades or even a hundred years or more to grow to the stature they are now.

The trail has also lost part of its ambience as it seems open and barren, unlike the jungle trail that it was before.

The flora and fauna could be adversely affected too.

The need to protect life and limb in the jungle from falling branches and trees must surely take into account how long it took the trees to grow to what they are now, and the overall integrity of the trees with regard to the danger.

My group hopes that NParks will not fell all the trees they have lined up for this exercise as the trees, once cut down, are gone from the jungle forever, and the damage may extend to the flora and fauna on the trail.

Larry Quah

More native trees for Venus Link
Straits Times Forum 19 Oct 12;

SOME non-native trees along Venus Link were recently removed as they were prone to breakage and uprooting during stormy weather ("Reconsider felling so many trees" by Mr Larry Quah; Tuesday).

This is part of our tree management plan, through which we identify storm-vulnerable trees and remove them in the interest of public safety.

We will be planting even more trees to replace the ones we removed.

Native tree species will be selected, as these will add conservation value to the surroundings, and complement the trees in the Nature Reserve nearby. They will also eventually provide shade for visitors, and shelter for the animals.

Wong Tuan Wah
Director, Conservation
National Parks Board

Yes, reconsider too much tree culling
Straits Times Forum 20 Oct 12;

I SUPPORT the call by Mr Larry Quah ("Reconsider felling so many trees"; Tuesday).

I am baffled by the National Parks Board's (NParks) act of cutting down so many trees after a national serviceman was killed by a falling tree, albeit in another location.

Trees take years to grow and provide not only shade, but also add to the splendour and beauty of the surrounding environment.

It is more logical to check the trees and take the necessary steps to cut them down only if they are found to be sickly.

Do we remove lamp posts from our streets, if someone is hit by one?

Bennie Cheok