: Hi Addison

: Not to get into this discussion on either side, but, I believe the problem
: with the deforestation folks is that ANY tree that grows provides Oxygen
: to the world at large. The more they cut down, the less oxygen production
: there is world wide, thus causing air quality problems. It has nothing to
: do with what type of tree or it's value in monetary or visual effect.
: Cutting it down to make room for a different type tree is kind of a mute
: point, depending on how long the production of Oxygen is delayed by the
: new growth. In South America, for instance, where they are cutting down
: thousands of acres a day to build drug producing farms,or population
: centers as in our own country and others, it is incredible the damage they
: are doing in the name of progress ( population boom ). Not to mention the
: wild life they are driving to extinction and other concerns. Reforestation
: is taking place in this and other countries around the world, but, not at
: near the rate of the destruction being done elsewhere.

: I personally don't like seeing any tree cut down, but, even the wood that Tig
: speaks of was cut down to aid in progress at some point and now is laying
: waste. It would be nice to see such wood put to good use, but...... we all
: want to put our best into what we are building and trying to create a work
: of art and using cast offs is sometimes self defeating.

: I'm not saying that cutting one more tree down at this point is or isn't
: going to be the straw that breaks the camels back, but, It is food for
: thought. When and if you cut that tree down, plant two to take it's place.
: ??? A cure, I don't know, but, it would be a nice gesture.

: Just as an example of how bad it's getting, and I'm speaking from a different
: viewpoint here, but, basically addressing the same issue, we in Fresno are
: cutting our own throats in the name of progress. This valley used to be
: one of the biggest fruit and vegetable producing areas in the United
: States. All the best production areas were around the rivers and lakes
: because of the water supply. Where do you think they are building all the
: new housing we need. The city is expanding outward into all the prime
: farmland taking out all of the best land to build houses on, while the
: middle of town is rotting and falling into decay. Soon, the reason
: everyone moves here in the first place won't even exist any more. They are
: knocking down all the trees and burying the farm land under concrete. The
: air polution is getting so bad that we need warnings about two or three
: times a week to stay indoors.

: This is getting way off topic and I need to get back to bill paying, but,
: that is the idea behind using existing materials when and where you can.
: ???

: We who buy at the local lumber yard or where ever, are doing no less damage
: than you would be. The lumber we use will be replaced in their stock bins
: by cutting down another tree as well. It's a bit of a no-win situation,
: but, planting another tree sometime, somewhere would be kool. :)

: Rehd ( whew ) Be shure and check for snipe befor you cut the trees down I think their on the endangered list ......Rick