On bucolic Bayview
Street in Marin Country, Anne Wolff lives in her home among a beloved grove of eucalyptus
trees. It is an idyllic site except for
one thing - her neighbors who want to chop the trees down!
Anne has
survived many hardships including the Great Depression and the recent passing of
her husband. However, nothing had quite
prepared Anne for the day she received notice that two neighbors were suing her
to chop the magnificent trees down.
The eucalyptus trees have been on the
land for 105 years. They were planted
all over the SF Bay Area as windbreaks, are prevalent in popular places
like the Presidio, and live for 300 years.
Her neighbors leading the lawsuit (“the M’s”) moved into their
newly-built home in January 1996. Anne
followed and moved into the neighborhood, ironically called Palm Hill, in October
1996. Anne and her late husband
specifically chose the dwelling because of the beautiful eucalyptus grove.
The key point is that the grove existed
before Anne and the neighbors moved in.
Would we want to tear down a neighboring church because the bells are
too loud on Sunday mornings?
Anyone who has lived near eucalyptus trees knows that they leave a bountiful trail of leaves prized for their fragrant oil. Eucalyptus flowers produce an abundance
of nectar, providing food for birds and pollinators. Anne Wolff hires arborists every two years to
prune the trees. "These trees sequester
carbon dioxide," Wolff said. "They're a very integral part of my
house. I don't believe in killing anything just because someone becomes
bothered by the leaves, or they suddenly decide they are a nuisance."
A few intriguing green facts about eucalyptus trees:
- Eucalyptus trees were first planted in California
in the 1850s from Australia
during the California Gold Rush.
- Eucalyptus trees provide habitat for owls, small animals, and many birds. In their native Australia, the trees are a favorite of koala bears.
- Eucalyptus trees are fast-growing and can sequester more
carbon than many trees in the fight against global warming.
- Eucalyptus trees are effective shields against high
winds.
Because of the M’s lawsuit, Marin County Superior Court
Judge Michael Dufficy has ordered Anne Wolff to cut down 28 eucalyptus trees on
her property, a situation which she did not create. Legal experts are worried that this could create a dangerous precedent for property owners everywhere if not overturned. Anne is seeking to challenge this ruling in the
San Francisco Court of Appeals but needs the support of the community.
"If I lose this case, it means anyone can get an
arborist and say their neighbors' trees might fall down," Wolff said.
"These trees are heritage trees, and they are totally safe. In the 13
years I have lived here, the neighbors have not had one scratch."
Please sign the petition to save the 28 trees. Help us get
to 1,000 signatures and rescue these trees and other urban forests from the ax.
Anne’s lawyer, Michael Coffino, reported that the neighbors
presented no evidence of negligence or harm in the case. The fire department does not see a fire danger. "It’s definitely a slippery slope when
one homeowner is singled out for a condition that is prevalent across the
state," Coffino said. "If you are concerned about eucalyptus or any
trees, don't move into that neighborhood."
If the M’s prevail, it would set an unfortunate precedent. Anne sees herself
fighting for not only her grove of trees but also the survival of landmark
trees in cities everywhere.
Interestingly, not all of Anne’s neighbors agree with the
ordered clear-cutting. The Krapels for
example moved to Bayview Street
because of the natural beauty and would like to see the trees rescued. “Our entire street is full of trees, and we
don't see how these trees present any more of a hazard than others. If this case prevails, it could result in a
clear-cutting of the entire neighborhood.
What's so unique about our town of Larkspur
is that it’s near the big city of San
Francisco, and yet one is surrounded by trees. That’s what makes our community unique, and
it should be preserved.” The Krapels’
daughter loves playing in the grove of trees and would be heart-broken to lose
her tall green friends.
Anne is prepared to go all the way to protect the eucalyptus
trees, even to the Supreme Court if necessary, and I want to support
her. Some things are worth fighting for,
and the urban forest is one of them. We
must preserve the natural soul of our land that sustains and renews us, so that
future generations can enjoy it as we have.
Sign The Petition: Help to save the 100-year old trees from the chopping block,
and stop the dangerous legal precedent for property owners. Help
urban forests remain standing for the benefit of all citizens. Please sign the petition to save the trees here. Please spread the word. Together, we can save
these trees!
Adapted from the San
Francisco Chronicle article entitled “Property rights at stake
in tussle over trees” by Peter Fimrite on November 17, 2009.
