7 Steps to Save Old Growth Trees

Follow these 7 steps to convince developers to preserve as many old growth trees as they can. When profit is the only motive, it can be hard for environmentally conscious folks to convince the powers that be. But no one can disagree that we all want a healthy and sustainable world.

Clearing old-growth trees is often seen as a short-sighted and unsustainable practice that undermines the health of the planet and the well-being of future generations. Instead, it is generally recommended that old-growth forests be protected and managed in a way that balances the needs of the ecosystem, the economy, and local communities.

Stop the Chop

To convince developers to preserve old growth trees when they clear land to build, you can take the following steps:

  1. Educate them on the value of old growth trees: Highlight the ecological, cultural, and aesthetic value of old growth trees, and the impact that removing them can have on the environment and the community.  
  2. Present alternative building designs: Show them how they can incorporate the trees into their building design, or how they can clear the land in a way that minimizes the impact on the trees.  
  3. Provide incentives for preservation: Offer financial or other incentives for preserving old growth trees, such as tax credits, grants, or recognition for environmental stewardship.  
  4. Engage the local community: Build support for preserving old growth trees by involving the local community in the discussion and providing them with opportunities to voice their opinions.  
  5. Use media and social media: Highlight successful preservation efforts, and share stories and images of the value and importance of old growth trees to generate public interest and support.  
  6. Leverage local and national regulations: Advocate for stronger regulations that protect old growth trees and the environment, and inform developers of the legal requirements for preserving trees.   
  7. Partner with conservation organizations: Work with local and national conservation organizations to educate developers and the public on the importance of preserving old growth trees, and to provide resources and support for their preservation.
Clearing land

Developers may clear cut old-growth trees for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Cost: Clearing land for development often requires removing all trees and vegetation on the site. This can be less expensive and quicker than selectively removing only certain trees.
     
  • Development Design: Developers may want to start with a clean slate in order to build according to their desired design. This may include a certain tree or landscaping plan that requires the removal of existing trees.
     
  • Profit: Clearing and developing land can be highly profitable, and developers may prioritize this financial gain over environmental considerations.

    While it is true that new trees can be replanted after the old-growth trees are cleared, this process often results in a loss of biodiversity and reduced ecological value. Newly planted trees also take many years, sometimes even decades, to reach maturity and provide the same ecosystem benefits as old-growth trees. 
     
    Therefore, it is important to consider the long-term impacts of clearing old-growth trees and to explore alternative development methods that prioritize conservation and sustainability.

clear cut trees

Clearing old-growth trees is considered by many to be a highly destructive and unnecessary practice. Old-growth forests play an important role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and preserving biodiversity. These forests provide habitat for numerous species, including some that are endangered, and are also critical for carbon sequestration and preventing soil erosion.

Furthermore, old-growth forests can take hundreds or even thousands of years to develop, and once they are gone, they cannot be easily replaced. This not only causes significant harm to the environment, but it also results in the loss of unique and irreplaceable natural resources.

So what?

How can the typical 99.9% of us fight elite profiteers who are stealing our natural resources?

How can a public good like land and its many resources be held for private gain? What time and money do we have to fight the development tsunami?

GeoTrippin’ is insane enough to think action without a profit plan is doable. Service to others should replace service to self as civilization’s driving principle.