March 2 was Dr. Seuss' birthday, and now is the time of year his books are celebrated the world over. The messages in many of them are still relevant today, perhaps none more so than "The Lorax," a fable about degradation of the environment from the loss of trees in one small village.
Few people would disagree that the trees in Rehoboth Beach are part of the city's unique character and distinguish it from most other beach towns.
Although the tree ordinance, in existence since 2006, has been successful in preserving many trees in the city, more continue to be lost to development.
So it seems especially fitting that the Mayor's Advisory Committee on Trees has recently been formed in Rehoboth Beach, because like the Lorax, the mission of the group is to "speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues."
The new committee, unlike the Park & Shade Tree Commission, will not work to preserve trees through adjudication. Our mission is to use public education and other programs to promote the preservation of the tree canopy for current and future generations.
We hope to help citizens plant and maintain trees through educational and cost-sharing initiatives. We are committed to fulfilling the mandate of the Comprehensive Development Plan as well as implementing numerous recommendations made by the planning commission in 2014.
Starting last summer when citizens turned out in droves at a special mayor and commissioners meeting on trees, we realized that there was great interest in protecting this valuable asset in the city. Volunteers (dubbed the "Ivy League") have been working to cut ivy and vines that threaten trees in Central and Deer parks.
Our goals include creating a public dialogue and education program around the subject of tree preservation to build awareness of the importance of trees to the character, health, and vitality of Rehoboth Beach; coordinating with civic groups, citizens, businesses on tree-related initiatives; and investigating grant and other funding opportunities for tree planting and maintenance.
In partnership with city officials, and arborist Elizabeth Lingo, the focus will be on growing the community forest with both public and private trees.
The time is ripe for a tree group, as several issues are coming to the forefront in the city. One is stormwater management. Trees can be classified as a type of green infrastructure, critical to water quality and a healthy environment overall.
The continuing dialogue from Ed McMahon's talk last November about how to preserve the uniqueness of Rehoboth Beach is also likely to shine a spotlight on our tree canopy. And the mayor and commissioners are set to begin quarterly meetings to create long-range capital improvement budgets. Trees, please!
Trees provide many benefits, including increased property values, reduced cooling bills, air and water pollution reduction, wildlife habitat, and increased spending in our business district. Yes, studies have shown that people linger longer and spend more in shops that have trees in front of them.
Rehoboth Beach is at a critical crossroads, at risk of losing one of its most charming and distinctive characteristics. The bottom line, stated poignantly in the Lorax, is: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." We are grateful to the many people who have come forward to say they care about trees, and we welcome all.
Susan Gay and Sturges Dodge
cochairs, Mayor's Advisory Committee on Trees
Rehoboth Beach
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