Bill seeks to protect trees on public and private land – Virgin Islands Daily News

The Committee on Government Affairs, Veterans, Energy and Environmental Protection will hear testimony about establishment of a tree law in the territory.

The bill, proposed by Senate President Myron Jackson, would create a Virgin Islands Tree Board, as well as permitting procedure for the removal or pruning of trees on public property.

The bill also creates rules for the removal of what it defines as public nuisance trees that grow on private property.

Mario Francis, the chairman of the Virgin Islands Urban and Community Forestry Council, said consideration of the tree legislation is important, coming on the heels of the recent Virgin Islands Native Trees and Flowers Fair on St. Thomas.

As the Virgin Islands continues to develop as an urban and commercial mecca in the Caribbean and the world, its once-forested areas will increasingly be replaced with businesses and residential sites. We will continue to lose an integral part of our natural heritage if we do not develop measures to save and protect the native trees of the Virgin Islands, Francis said.

He said the legislation, which will be heard in committee July 11, is critical. A Tree Law is indeed necessary, Francis said. He said the law will protect public and private trees of intrinsic value to the general public because of its species, size, age, location, ecological importance, historical and cultural significance, aesthetic value, economic benefit, special character or community benefit.

Francis said it is important to preserve the heritage of natural forests in the territory.

Native trees are already adapted to the local environmental conditions. They require less supplementary water than many introduced species, and are less prone to suffer from disease and pests, he said.

Gov. Kenneth Mapp praised the recent tree and flowers fair. There is ample scientific evidence which demonstrates the important role that forests play in preserving a healthy and habitable environment for humans and animals of every variety, Mapp said in his message to the fair.

He said promoting the planting of native trees and flowers serves to distinguish our islands among other destinations.

In his letter to the fair, Jackson said the event, held June 10 in Emancipation Garden, will spread awareness of the need to protect our local tree heritage.

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Bill seeks to protect trees on public and private land - Virgin Islands Daily News