INTRODUCTION

A host of excuses are given for removing or lopping trees in urban areas. These generally cite the "nuisance" factor of trees. Ironically, those removing trees more often than not are quick to claim that they really like trees.

Modern living in urbanised situations carries with it a high nuisance factor. Motor vehicles are universally used despite their pollution, high purchase and running costs, the costs of maintaining roads and the horrific road toll. Yet few of us would do without a car.

Electrical appliances are a necessity despite their high cost, their risk of operation and the ugliness of telegraph poles and electrical wires.

The benefits of trees in urban areas are usually overlooked. Their filtering of dust from the air, moderation of air temperature, windbreak effect, oxygen production, water table control and . their beauty is often taken for granted. But the costs in terms of nuisance value is sufficient to warrant their removal or permanent disfigurement by heavy lopping.

Indigenous native trees are the surviving relic of a suburb's past ten thousands years of natural history. An irreplaceable community resource with so much educational potential deserves better treatment from a society with awakening environmental awareness.

The concept of a 'land ethic', although highly developed with more primitive civilisations is yet to be accepted in today's Australia. Included at the end of this report is the expression of a 'land ethic'. The words of an American Indian Chief written to the President of the United States over 140 years ago prophetically highlight the differences between "civilised" and "primitive" societies in their relationship with their natural environment.

Perhaps, times are changing and this report, in some small

way, may hasten that change.

For Jenny, Myall, Yarran and Heath,

Graham Quint

Conservation Officer - Natural Environment

National Trust of Australia (NSW)

1990