Dear editor:

The magnificent oak is said to be a symbol of strength, morale, resistance and within its massive trunk rings the wisdom of age on which to reflect.

It is with utmost respect, yet a feeling of sadness to feel a need to write in response to a Nov. 18 letter headlined, “Magnificent oak tree cut down by Chautauqua owner.”

First, this response is not at all meant to devalue the importance of advocacy and conservation groups who work to maintain the area’s beauty and special ecosystem that has enhanced each resident, past, present or future who build, vacation or purchase a home in Chautauqua.

On the contrary, such groups or individuals are much appreciated for their public education and passion to preserve living species, like the oak tree, and uphold the historical significance of this valued piece of land and community in Niagara.

Most know each other not only in the gentle waves of its lake but also the neighbourly wave of a hand, be it one of hello among longtime residents, goodbye to those moving on or that of welcome to a visitor or new neighbour moving in. A community filled with all forms of life that mark its own footprint on the land, and yes, included in its character, stands the magnificent oak tree.

The dangers, however, in advocacy of a particular cause or point of view arise when assumptions are made and inaccurate statements are put in public print that, maybe without intention, but inadvertently bring down the spirit of a community or one of its residents in the course of such a campaign.

This lends itself to a larger scar than that on the tree in question. Stating in this context that “some people do not feel empathy for trees” or value them is utterly wrong and a misleading read of this particular oak tree put forth without much thought to its ripple effects.

It demoralizes the feel of community belonging, the integrity of professional workers involved and undermined NOTL’s bylaw process for tree removal – which the owner responsibly upheld.

The letter disrespected the truthful intentions of a resident forced to unexpectedly redirect hard-worked earnings to address an identified issue with this particular oak tree. To report it was “cut down without specific reason” is completely untrue.

This leaves one wondering how the author of that letter arrived at this conclusion. In fact, the history of this tree’s status was not disclosed at the time of purchase and nor was it the owner’s desire to cut it down as the letter implied.

This particular oak tree was assessed by rightful due process through NOTL’s regulatory process of inspection by the assessment report of professional certified tree arborists, reviewed and deemed to meet the bylaw’s specific criteria for permit exemption, state of disease and hazardous, to legally and rightfully be removed from the property – unfortunately at the new owner’s unexpected expense.

Yes, this magnificent oak tree served and sheltered surrounding residents under its vast canopy for many years. Agree, climate change is very real and stronger than in the past. Storms, age and added disease do weaken limbs and trunk, even for a magnificent oak tree.

I do ask with respect of thought to consider the alternative view. How would it look or read in print, if this owner had chosen to ignore this unexpected task assessed by higher authority and a limb of this oak or, even worse, a crack of its trunk by the next strong wind or ice storm injured or worse took the life of a neighbour, young or old caught in the perimeter below it.

Would such community grief be worth that one more trunk ring to boast this particular tree’s age to 201 years? Wouldn’t its wood repurposed or designated for other good service be a much better way, viewpoint and value to consider in a case such as this?

Yes, agree, let's open our eyes, but do so with kindness to find the way. And in the age-old wisdom of past elders' advice: “Listen first, then speak.” Perch from another tree branch to gain a bird’s-eye view of the larger picture, the full circle, the truths, and yes the value in every life and circumstance that may stand before us.

Live in harmony, not strife, with both nature and mankind, in respect of all who live and share the land. Now that would truly reflect the kind, peaceful spirit of Chautauqua’s neighbourly wave of its hand.

Penny Marrone

St. Catharines