Wimberley Needs a Tree Ordinance

“But only God can make a tree.” So ends the Joyce Kilmer poem many of us remember memorizing as children. As a community we felt pain over the lose of majestic Cypress trees to the 2015 Memorial Day flood. And many lamented the loss of so many large Live Oaks on the property behind Brookshire Brothers where new senior housing is under construction. Trees are important in that they enhance the natural beauty of our community, provide much appreciated shade, reduce pollution, improve groundwater discharge, provide habitat for wildlife, and much more.

So why did Planning and Zoning recently vote not to take their draft tree ordinance- a document they have been working on for over a year - to the city council? I was there and I’m not sure beyond comments that this was something the people of Wimberley aren’t interested in. I for one am very interested in a well thought out ordinance that holds developers to a common standard and signals support for contractors who share our community’s commitment to environmentally sustainable projects. If you agree, please contact both Planning and Zoning and the City Council and let them know you would like to see Wimberley adopt a tree ordinance. Or better yet, come to the November 8th Planning and Zoning meeting at 6PM and sign up to provide your comments in person.

Christine Middleton