UPDATE Aug. 29th 2007

***BREAKING NEWS***

Environmental Attorney, Howard Shanker, and the Sierra Club, have joined forces to assist
Sedona Save the Trees Network.

I will attend a meeting with Howard Shanker and the Sedona Chapter of the Sierra Club tomorrow Thurs. Aug. 30th at 7:00pm.

For anyone who is unaware of the power of the Sierra Club...the VOICE of this HUGE nationwide group of people numbers in the hundreds of thousands. Put it this way, most developers do not want to mess with them.

About Howard Shanker: News has it, that Howard is the best Environmental Attorney in Arizona. Please vote for him as he is helping us at no cost. Howard is running for Congress and is a powerful ally who has chosen to take this case on to help us come to agreements with Arizona Dept. of Transportation to save the trees at Oak Creek Bridge and Tlaquepaque. Some people may be aware, that Howard is the Environmental Attorney who is fighting the Bella Terra case on Lower Red Rock Loop Rd. We are looking forward to seeing Howard's success, both in helping save the trees in Sedona and...for his position in Congress.

Dr. Bruce Lipton (about our connectivity)

Every cell is an intelligent organism. You can remove it from the body, put it into a Petri dish and it will manage its own life: handle the environment, grow, reproduce and form communities with other cells. In the human body we are dealing with a vast community of cells working together in harmony. In a culture dish, cells behave as individual entities. However, in a body cells act as a community; individuals really cannot do whatever they want because then the coherence of the group will fall apart. Therefore, when cells come together in a community they acquire a central intelligence that is involved with coordinating the activity of the individual cells in the group. The cells actually defer to the higher order of that central voice. A human organism is a community of upwards of fifty trillion cells operating in unison and harmony, trying to conform to the requests and demands of that central voice. And it is the central voice that acquires and learns the perceptions that we must deal with throughout our lives.

By Dr. Bruce Lipton

Comments regarding Dr. Lipton's article by Jim Law

As a community of people who care about our Environment, Sedona Save the Trees Network has made an incredible impact in just two short weeks. We are setting the pace for what needs to happen in EVERY community around the world, as our air, water, and Earth becomes more and more polluted and our natural resources continue to be depleted.

Just how much more can Mother Earth take before there is a wiping of the slate to start over again.

In my opinion, the Human race is living on the edge of extinction. We are living on the Event Horizon of Environmental collapse.

As Dr. Lipton put it....communities of cells act independently when removed from the human body and are put into a petri dish, but when they are (together) as part of the human experience, they become an as-one collective energy.

We....are "The VOICE" of Sedona and as a collective consciousness not only can we save the trees, but we can move mountains in doing our part to save this planet from further destruction.

Blessings,

Jim Law
Exec. Producer / V.O.I.C.E Entertainment

Meeting at the bridge Friday Aug. 24th 5:30pm

There is an open Q&A meeting Friday Aug. 24th at the Oak Creek bridge.

Many people are bringing solution-signs.


1) Keep the existing bridge

2) NO Roundabout at the bridge

3) Roundabouts for trees...please!

Red Rck News front page...ADOT SMOKE SCREEN

Slated for removal by ADOT

Anyone recognize these beautiful trees...these are just some of what ADOT claims are ONLY (10) trees that they plan on removing.

Did you see the smoke screen on the front page of the Red Rock News?

ADOT should not be removing ANY of these trees.

This Sycamore is very old and is 48" at the base.

Hi Jim,

Thanks Jim, for the meeting at the Bridge Friday! I'd been anxiously awaiting a chance to see ADOT's plans for myself. Being a residential designer, I read plans very well. I was even more shocked by these than I was prepared for. ADOT has SO misrepresented this to the public!! If they go ahead per these plans, our community will be outraged! We who can read plans must let our neighbors know how awful these are!

First, a 45 degree angle addition to Oak Creek Bridge is proposed on the south side, from the northeasterly corner of Tlaquepaque's front wall across the Creek toward Hozho. This will require removal of many native trees in the greater creekbed, starting with a huge [48" trunk] sycamore on the bank near the corner of said wall. It will also require a long stretch of new concrete retaining wall along the Creek which will obviously make flood waters higher & faster through there. No study has been done to see how this will impact downstream homes, businesses & roadways.

The plans also call for a new straight sidewalk on the north side opposite Tlaquepaque, right through some beautiful old sycamores. These plans were obviously done without a tree survey, something that is required by the City of Sedona for even a single family home to be built! Looking at the trenching that has already been done, & the course of work as marked by pink flagging on the site, I could see the wide swath of planned destruction. All who have ever enjoyed this unique location should go walk it for themselves!

I'm appalled to find that this project isn't even being reviewed by our own Community Development Department, which reviews all commercial & residential proposals in Sedona. It is being handled by the City Manager's Department. This is not a group of people trained to read & interpret plans. How can they advocate on our behalf against ADOT?!

We demand a current Tree Survey, to be reviewed by our Comm Dev Dept just like any other project. We demand a No Rise Study, to reveal impacts from proposed new construction IN the Creek. We demand an EIR to review possible negative impacts on the whole wildlife & water ecosystem there & downstream. NOW!

Thanks, Blue Boelter, 80 Sunset Ln., Sedona, AZ 86336-9161 928-634-2583 Blue Boelter Residential Design, LLC

UPDATE Sunday Aug. 19th

Hello everyone,

I was very moved to see a nice crowd holding lime green
"Save The Trees" signs on Saturday evening while I drove across the Oak Creek bridge. We have momentum...THANK YOU too all of you who are taking time out of your day to save the trees. Its a beautiful thing to see our community pull together like this.

NEWS: ADOT plans to put the tree removal up for bid next month (Sept.) we need to move fast and get a Court Injunction to STOP WORK immediately. They have already severed and quickly chipped up the evidence (in the night under lights) a 12 inch Sycamore limb from the tree in front of the new age store. The owner of the Center for New Age will not allow any flyers in her building. She still thinks there are (only) 3 trees coming down and said that this does not concern her. I find that rather hypocritical, especially considering what she does for a living.


1) Red Rock News was on site interviewing people and I handed her a type written synopsis of what is happening.

2) KAZM radio called me for an interview while a wild array of car horns were honking in the background.



3) I have contacted GREEN PEACE the worlds largest organization for preservation of the Earth.

John McCain

On Environmental issues

John McCain has a proud record of common sense stewardship. Along with his commitment to clean air and water, and to conserving open space, he has been a leader on the issue of global warming with the courage to call the nation to action on an issue we can no longer afford to ignore.
America has been blessed with a rich and diverse natural heritage. In the tradition of his hero, Theodore Roosevelt, John McCain believes that we are vested with a sacred duty to be proper stewards of the resources upon which the quality of American life depends. Ensuring clean air, safe and healthy water, sustainable land use, ample greenspace - and the faithful care and management of our natural treasures, including our proud National Park System - is a patriotic responsibility. One that must be met not only for the benefit of our generation, but for our children and those to whom we will pass the American legacy.
John McCain believes that America's economic and environmental interests are not mutually exclusive, but rather inextricably linked. Our economic prospects depend greatly upon the sustainable use of ample and unspoiled natural resources. A clean and healthy environment is well served by a strong economy. History shows that poverty is a poor steward.
As John McCain said, "Americans solve problems. We don't run from them." He believes that ignoring the problem reflects a "liberal live for today" attitude unworthy of our great country, and poses a serious and unacceptable threat to our environment, our economy, and U.S. national security. He has offered common sense approaches to limit carbon emissions by harnessing market forces that will bring advanced technologies, such as nuclear energy, to the market faster, reduce our dependence on foreign supplies of energy, and see to it that America leads in a way that ensures all nations do their rightful share.
By addressing this problem responsibly, John McCain believes we can meet our obligation to be proper caretakers of creation, in a manner of which we can be proud - by protecting our country, strengthening our economy, and addressing the challenges of our time, rather than leaving a much worse problem for our children.

NOTE: We need to get John involved. If anyone has contact info..please advise.

*******end of document*****

ADOT chain saws are buzzing in the night

UPDATE Friday Aug. 17th

I recieved a phone call late last night (Thurs. Aug. 16th) from someone who heard chain saws buzzing. An ADOT crew, working under the lights, was cutting a large limb from a Sycamore tree in front of the Center for New Age.

While discussions between the Mayor, Senator O'Hallerin, and five ADOT officials was carried out with Wendy (resident manager/Tlaquepaque) in a behind-closed-doors meeting yesterday (Thurs)...the momentum of the work is still well underway. There has been no effort to halt the workers who are installing the infrastructure that is being installed along both sides of the highway at Tlaquepaque. Severe damage to Sycamore tree roots has been done, and is continuing to be done daily/nightly when few people are watching, and NO certified Arborist has been on site to date as ADOT reps stated would be the case. I feel we are being snowed, stalled, and that the way this is going, ADOT has plans to put out for bid next month, the total removal of what I have now counted as 25 Sycamore trees. This does not include the huge Cottonwoods, Oaks, and smaller Willows, Ash, and other trees that are in the work area. This count includes the 9 large Sycamore trees that now have green "save the trees" signs on them. ADOT wants to destroy them to put in the sidewalk. (See...solutions below)

The work that is now going on from Hozo Plaza all the way up to 89A is based on the roundabout location change. If this changes or if it is eliminated, then all of the work that is being done now, will need to be changed, and needless damage to trees could have been eliminated.

ADOT should stop work in any areas that pertain to the roundabout change immediately!
Any work regarding the underground pipes and other infrastructure needs to come to a halt until something is done to protect the trees.

There will be an open meeting today at 5:00pm at the Oak Creek bridge. The meetings have been last minute because of the way information comes to me. The news changes by the minute and I like to hear updates from Wendy first.


Now...here is some good news. I have come up with a few solutions to help save trees.

Solutions:
Anywhere along the North side of Hwy 179 where there are large Sycamore trees (8 or 9 ) and the proposed sidewalk is to plow right through them, ADOT can create an easement around each tree to save all of them. Once this is done, then a serpentine walkway that curves around each tree can be installed on what is now, private property in some of those areas. I would like to see ADOT shine on this, to get creative, and to show the people of Sedona that they are able to work with the environment. Perhaps this was all an oversight, and perhaps whoever ADOT had working the CAD design system didn't have a correct updated tree survey. This could have been an oversight, and this is a way to correct the situation .

There is a 48inch diameter Sycamore tree located close to the existing Oak Creek bridge. The roadway can be altered, perhaps 5ft to the north, to save this Heritage tree that is over 200 years old.

The storm drain location: perhaps ADOT can move this to center line of the new roadway.

End of document*********


Jim Law
Land Art Works
Exec. Producer / VOICE Entertainment

ALERT ADOT is trenching

As of 7:00pm last night Wed. ADOT now has a dig crew destroying the major roots of over 9 Sycamore trees all the way down hwy 179 in front of the new age stores. These trenches are 8ft. deep and 8ft. wide and come within 4ft. of the huge, double trunked Sycamore tree in front of the store. I inspected the damage and spoke with the crew foreman and he said he had to cut vertical trenches in order to install up to 11 pipes in a square concrete box. This damage is severe, and is much like a human having both legs amputated. There are NO provisions for root sealer or any protective measures being taken. Once again...ADOT officials lied. The last newspaper report stated that they would have a certified Arborist on site. There was none. They are doing this work at night under special lights to keep cool and to perform their work when there is less traffic, but this also means fewer people can see what they are up to.

ALL NINE LARGE SYCAMORE TREES ALONG HIGHWAY 179 IN AT THE NORTH SIDE ALONG THE HIGHWAY FROM THE OAK CREEK BRIDGE TOWARDS 89A ARE SLATED FOR REMOVAL...THIS CAN BE STOPPED. IF ADOT IS INSTALLING ROUNDABOUTS FOR CARS....THEN MAKE THEM FOR THE TREES....A SOLUTION IS TO INSTALL A SIDEWALK THAT DOES A CIRCLE AROUND EACH INDIVIDUAL TREE.

From: Regina Richards To: sedonajames@msn.com

Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2007 9:20 PM

Subject: Hwy 179

Well, I think you are quite a bit late in speaking out against the reconstruction of Hwy 179. Where *did* you think they would get the land to widen the highway? This is what is called "growing Sedona", and we all know that with increased density nature *will* be destroyed. So where were you when the plans were presented to the community? Stop your "bitching" and let them get on with the job they were given to do. Seems to me the widening of Hwy 179 was an alternative to a road across Oak Creek in the Red Rock Crossing area. So....
Regina Richards

Then...she continues on to say.....

...."Neither worship, nor the chanting of the name nor even meditation is Sadhana. All these are indeed futile exercises and give only an ephemeral satisfaction. We achieve nothing by these endeavours without transforming the mind first. Man is transformed when the mind is transformed. It is the transformation of the mind which makes man truly Divine..... p.38 "Summer Showers in Brindavan 1993"


Jim Law's response......


Hello Regina,

Thank you for your kind words. It is NEVER too late to make change in this world. The plans were changed from the originals, if you are not aware of this, then please feel free to visit the office upstairs at Tlaquepaque and take a look at where the roundabout is now located some 85ft. to the south. In addition... the bitching you mentioned, is a voice of the people who care about our environment and our trees. Obviously, you do not. Change is inevitable, and change can be good as long as living things are taken into consideration. The land you say that was necessary to widen the road at the bridge is not the question, it is HOW they chose to use that land that matters, and there are other options and solutions to this.

Thank you once again, for your interest in seeing Sedona grow in green ways.

Many Blessings,

Jim Law
Land Art Works
Exec. Producer / VOICE Entertainment

The Sycamore trees have healed and nurtured me...and I can't abide by human cruelty whether it be to a person or a tree. It is all the same to me.

There is a good way that ackowledges the connectedness of all life and a way that negates it. As they cut those tree roots, the agencies undermine their own reputation and roots.

As they kill off the antennae's to spirit without just cause, it is a testament that their own connection to the All-that-Is, is weakened.

And that lack of connection threatens to flood them with emotions in the future just as the lack of trees will likely cause other flooding downstream as well. There is nothing done in isolation ever.

©2007, Ann Albers

UPDATE Freedom of Information Act (FIA) set for ADOT

August 14, 2007

Arizona Department of Transportation
Carl Burkhalter, Project Manager

RE: Project - Hwy. 179 at Tlaquepaque/Oak Creek

Request for Information under Freedom of Information Act

Dear Mr. Burkhalter:

There are hundreds of concerned residents of Sedona, Arizona and people who do not reside in Sedona, but visit here often and are horrified at the proposed
project . Specifically, we are outraged about the potential damage to large historical trees as well as other damage to Oak Creek on Highway 179, as well as ADOT’s apparent misrepresentation of the facts and specifics of the project to persons approving the proposal in 2004.

I am requesting the following information under the Freedom of Information Act, on behalf of this large group of concerned residents and non-residents. Under the Freedom of Information Act, please forward to my attention, the following pertinent documentation and answers to questions immediately.

1) A tree survey of the sector from Hillside Sedona to 89A.
This by law, should have been completed prior to any construction
being commenced.

2) A No-Rise study that pertains to the effects of any construction from 100ft. north of the Oak Creek bridge, to 1/2 mile south of the bridge.

3) A detailed construction drawing of the area we are discussing that shows the type, design, of the bridge, retainer walls, and all other structures, including pictures and description of materials to be used.
.
4) An Environmental Impact study of the area we are discussing.

Note: All of the above requirements need to be performed by a non-affiliated Engineer, Architect and Surveyor, who is not on the ADOT payroll.

The public has a right to view all of the above documents in a (40 scale format), that is large enough to see clearly.

Regarding the Round-about location change:
5) This change occurred after the approval of the master plan design. Who approved it and why?
6) Were (small scale) construction details that would have shown the tree survey and other up close details made available to the voters and/or the general public when the conceptual design and final (large scale) drawings were presented to these voters?
Comments: Most people only saw a birds-eye view in 200 scale, that doesn’t show enough detail with regard to existing trees that fall into the path of construction. I am referring to the “20 scale” or less architectural drawings of the bridge and other supportive structures, walls and abutments. This would have clearly shown the tree footprints overlying the construction plan so there were, (at the time of the vote and approval for this particular phase of the project) plans that showed a clear indication of what trees exist in those areas. This, had it been provided, and I do NOT believe it was, would have changed the minds of those voters.
7) Where is the mandatory tree survey that was used during the design and layout of the proposed bridge, roundabout, & expansion of the Hwy. 179 area?
Comments: It’s apparent that whoever designed the original AND… the revised plan of the change of the round-about location at the Oak Creek bridge near Tlaquepaque, did NOT have an existing native tree & plant schedule (less than 5 years old). This would have shown the designers the precise location of all of the native vegetation, specifically the Old growth trees that are now located in the subject area. This is emphasized, because the plan that we were given, does not clearly show all of the trees and native vegetation that exist. The person operating the CAD design program must NOT have been working with a current Tree Survey.
We feel it mandatory that the trees should have been taken into consideration regarding ways to save them so no damage occurs such as: root zones, trimming of limbs, soil being placed over the roots during grade change operations, equipment driving over the roots, trenchers and backhoes digging trenches for pipelines along Tlaquepaque wall for the storm drain rather than locating it in the middle of the new road.

Regarding a Flood study / No-Rise study:
8) Where are the mandatory documents that arrive at the conclusion that no downstream damage will occur to anyone’s private or commercial property, or native trees or creek embankments located downstream due to the proposed construction at the Oak Creek bridge area?
9) Does ADOT have any plans for downstream mitigation or protection of the creek embankments to protect the creek edge and private and commercial property from any damage that could arise from high waters or flash flood due to the proposed construction? And why not?
Comments: The proposed concrete piers that will support the bridge take up a volume of space in the creek bed. This alters the water flow. Removal of trees that are now holding the creek bed and banks together will cause erosion of the bed and banks of the creek downstream. This furthermore raises the risk that trees, mostly old Sycamore along the banks, and most probably the trees in the east Tlaquepaque parking lot could be destroyed.

Regarding a mandatory Environmental Impact study:
10) Probable impact on birds and other wildlife, native vegetation, water, air?
a) Birds…the Great Blue Herons inhabit this area and need a place to roost.
b) Water quality decreasing from asphalt emulsions due to the new highway. What keeps this to an absolute minimum at the bridge crossing during rainstorms that rinse off the pavement into Oak Creek?
c) Trees produce oxygen as a bi-product after processing carbon dioxide (automobile exhaust a carcinogen, is one source of this). If you kill the trees, and more cars come on this bigger better highway…then guess what happens to our air quality in Sedona….
d) Native vegetation down stream becomes threatened, due to heavier and increased velocities of water flow due to Creek bed changes. ie: removal of native river rock, boulders, trees, grasses, saplings etc…

Note: Our concern over the proposed ADOT plans to widen Hwy 179, add a roundabout, construct a new bridge, install sidewalks, change grades at sensitive areas where huge Sycamore trees exist, to install a pedestrian bridge separate from the main bridge, equipment staging areas, plans to install new infrastructure such as the large storm drain pipe,… all of the proposed construction process pertains to the following potential for probable, permanent damage, destruction and future death of trees.
Reference the following:
Tree roots being cut from trenching along the Tlaquepaque privacy wall and sidewalks across the street from Tlaquepaque in front of the New Age stores.
ADOT plans to needlessly mame and destroy up to 60 trees at the south side of the bridge in ROW and…the staging areas as noted on the plans…both in the Creek bed and at the north and south sides of the current bridge and…in front of the New Age stores along the current sidewalk.
Sides or tops of trees being trimmed would permanently ruin the shape of these trees.
Plans to remove Heritage trees. Some of these trees are more than likely 300 years or older and were here before the first white man set foot on this ground.
The proposed project forever demolishes an unwritten contract regarding the preservation of this beautiful land. It is a Historical Landmark of great import to the area, in that this was Carl and Sedona Schnebly’s original Homestead.
Please do not destroy our heritage.
"Working together we can make a difference."
Thank you for your anticipated co-operation.
Sincerely,


Charlotte Murphy-Thomas, J.D. and
James Law, on behalf of our sisters and
brothers in Sedona, Arizona.

God Bless you.




Cc.: Governor Janet Napolitano
Eric Levitt, Sedona City Manager
Wendy Lippman, Tlaquepaque Manager/Resident Partner Rob Adams, Sedona City Councilman

This is a Sycamore tree

Grandfather Martin Hopi elder is here to help us.

Grandfather Martin (Hopi elder) appeared in Sedona last week, not knowing exactly why until he learned of the trees that need to be saved. He is here to help us and has no plans for leaving at the moment.

A (nice) letter to Az. Dept. of Transportation

Hi Jim,

I just sent an email to Sen. O'Halleran RE: the Sycamores. I've pasted it below; it's a little impassioned, but maybe that's what's needed. Hope it helps... I'm in Ca, but hope I'm back in time for your meeting. I have some medical stuff going on at the moment so I can't commit, but please advise me when your meeting will be and I will do my best to be there.

Thanks
Jim DeGeorge



Dear Senator O'Halleran,

ADOT appears out of control and empire building. One of the most scenic highways in America, "Hwy179 through the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona," has been fully turned into a long term ADOT Boondoggle, at the complete expense of the one of a kind resources they are destroying, almost in secret and without a blink, such as the historical Sycamores along and across from Tlaquepaque, as well as all those they have twisted land from to do it, and all businesses now facing failure in the Village of Oak Creek, that were unprepared and taken by surprise the long and drawn out megaloexpanded mess ADOT turned what was supposed to be a reasonable road improvement project into. They rammed this thing down Sedona's throat and arrogantly implemented a succession of large footprint "Roundabouts" (BAD IDEA) on a road where tourists in motorhomes are likely to encounter them for the first time on a daily basis. For the Bureaucracy called ADOT, I guess that's OK with them, as long as it expands their project regardless of what is lost, and whom gets hurt... It is possible I may be of use in putting those injured in accidents in touch with the appropriate imported Contingency Trial Lawyers when it's time to Sue the State for allowing a dangerous succession of roundabouts to be built there in the first place. ADOT will have turned our scenic Hwy into what amounts to a live action reality Motorhome and tourist driving school, complete with real blood....

This brings me to my appeal to you, to do whatever is required to rein in that rabid Bureaucracy called ADOT, with a spiked choke chain if need be, because they are hurting real people...badly, and destroying one of Arizona's most scenic corridors, all in the name of their expanding Bureaucracy. I never did buy into the integrity of their "DATA DUMP" public hearings, and when last minute oily tactics such as what they are pulling on Wendy at Tlaquepaque, regarding the destruction of those Historic Sycamores happen, all such misgivings are fully validated, and a call to statewide action is required. After all, if ADOT has grown so arrogant that they would pull this crap in Sedona, then the folks in "NO Name Butte" don't stand a chance, now do they? If our elected officials are unable or unwilling to stop this kind of corrupt garbage, then it falls upon a concerned public to use what influence they have, to get rid of those elected officials and to tie ADOT up in so much red tape and culpability, that a dollar's worth of work costs thousands of dollars, and to do this statewide until ADOT's activities are in line with actual needs and our "newly" elected officials keep them that way.

I may be singing to the choir here, as I'm told that you have been very helpful in assisting Wendy with this matter so I thank you, and ask that you continue to move this matter forward without relent. Also, let this letter help serve notice that many outraged voices are being added to Wendy's, many in silence, and if proper address through our good faith appeal still fails, and this bad faith outrage is allowed to come to pass, the currency of future communication on these and similar matters shall likely and rightly come in the form of high expense and mountains of red tape.

Yours Truly
Jim DeGeorge

Sedona Save the Trees Network (SSTTN) UPDATE

UPDATE Tuesday Aug. 14th 07

My grandfather passed away two years ago at the age of 106. HIS mother lived to 109. I have a long ways to go, and some of these trees do too. He was the first Landscape Architect in the State of Minnesota. I know Grandpa is helping us save the trees!!!

This week we are busy with hundreds of people passing out flyers to coffee shops, market places, video stores and such. I recieved a phone call stating that some..lets say...possibly a couple of hundred NAU college students would like to organize a Sedona Save the Trees rally. Give a good reason to have a get together to support a good cause, and students will be there. I love it!

Please take time to read this:

1) I would like EVERYONE to maintain a good focus on supporting a good solution to this problem, rather than to find fault or to buy into the negative emotions that can arise from this issue.

2) I would like all people who are doing such a wonderful job (we are in the thousands now) to be very clear on the issues at hand as noted below:

a) We have in our possession, the under oath, court documents by an ADOT representative, that there are somewhere around 60 trees that are slated for removal. NOTE: that this court document does NOT include ANY trees to the north of the bridge, in front of the New Age stores, OR along the highway up to the 89A intersection.

b) Once again...be aware, that this issue with the trees does not involve only those that are in the way of their proposed construction near the bridge. This tree count of up to (60), does NOT even include those trees, AND...the 60 count does NOT include those that are in the equipment staging area that is proposed to be located in front of the New Age stores. Those trees are subject to removal, and/or, are threatened due to the compaction over their root zones from heavy equipment. or severe root damage caused by trenching for utilities and/or, the proposed storm drain pipe.

c) For your understanding about trees: "As above....so it is below." Whatever you see over your head in the way of tree branches, there is equal to that below you. If ANY roots are damaged, cut, destroyed in any way, the tree will become a Hat Rack over time.

d) AT RISK: are any, or all, of the Sycamore trees along the Tlaquepaque decorative screen wall along the road due to the proposed pipe line to be installed along that wall. This digging has already begun in some areas and we have photos of this damage to the roots.

Thank you for your support

Jim Law

Land Art Works

Exec. Producer / V.O.I.C.E Entertainment

Monday Aug. 13th

August 13, 2007Attention: Senator Tom O'HalleranDear Senator:I am a resident of Sedona. One of the most unique and beautiful places in Sedona is Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. The original design of the village incorporated the beautiful Sycamore trees. I understand these trees can be upwards of 600 years old. They compliment the architecture of Tlaquepaque and give Sedona a uniquely special "look," aside from the red rocks.As an employee of one of the Tlaquepaque shops, I talk to hundreds and hundreds of tourists, who comment on the beauty of these trees, and the surprising location for such trees. There are many solid environmental reasons for saving trees, not to mention the ascetic aspects. They are an overall part of the Sedona experience, and that overall experience is what brings tourists back. I remember my own experience in seeing these majestic trees for the first time, in contrast with the red rocks. I was overwhelmed at the contrast of environments, and the beauty of the Sycamores.To even cut down one of these spectacular trees is a travesty! And, I understand that there could be as many as 60 cut down for the Hwy 179 project!! Please, Senator, do not let this happen. We cannot destroy the uniqueness of Arizona's beauty and landscape in the name of progress. There IS ALWAYS another way and I urge you to take this matter to heart.

Update Monday Aug. 13th

Today, I meet with an attorney regarding dealing with Arizona Dept. of Transportation (also known as ADOT) about moving forward with strategies that will release certain documents that I am not at liberty to speak of at this moment. Our objective, is to set up a meeting with certain ADOT representatives who will sit with us to arrive at some viable options to avoid destroying some 60 trees at the Oak Creek /Tlaquepaque bridge area.

NOTE:

1) I would like EVERYONE to maintain a good focus on supporting a good solution to this problem, rather than to find fault or to buy into the negative emotions that can arise from this issue.

2) I would like all people who are doing such a wonderful job (we are in the thousands now) to be very clear on the issues at hand as noted below:

a) We have in our possession, the under oath, court documents by an ADOT representative, that there are somewhere around 60 trees that are slated for removal. NOTE: that this court document does NOT include ANY trees to the north of the bridge, in front of the New Age stores, or along the highway up to the 89A intersection.

b) Once again...be aware, that this issue with the trees does not ONLY involve those that are in the way of their proposed construction near the bridge. This tree count does NOT even include those that are on the NORTH side of the Oak Creek bridge, AND...the 60 count does NOT include those that are in the equipment staging area that is proposed to be located in front of the New Age stores. Those trees are subject to removal, and/or, are threatened due to the compaction over their root zones.

c) For your understanding about trees: "As above....so below." Whatever you see over your head in the way of tree branches, there is equal to that below you. If ANY roots are damaged, cut, destroyed in any way, the tree will become a Hat Rack over time.

d) AT RISK: are any or all, of the Sycamore trees along the Tlaquepaque decorative screen wall along the road due to the proposed pipe line to be installed along that wall. This digging has already begun in some areas and we have photos of this damage to the roots.

e) The large Arizona Cypress tree next to the Tlaquepaque wall is set for destruction.




Blessings to all,

Jim Law

PLEASE SHARE THIS NEW BLOG SITE

Hello everyone,

Please share my new blog site with anyone you know who would like to support the Sedona Save The Trees Network. We are a growing bunch (no pun intended) of concerned people who value the life of trees. The fastest way to sign on, is to click the link below. Once you do that, I will forever haunt you about trees.

http://savesedonatrees.blogspot.com/

Update Sunday 8-12-07

I spent several hours today, with Hopi elder, Grandfather Martin. Two cameras were rolling while he spoke about the current conditions on earth, Hopi prophecy, and trees. Grandfather Martin said that unneccesary killing of the trees is an example of the destructive mind that is ailing the world. They hold the creek together and create balance and stability and provide life.
Though we did not go into any great details regarding the trees, I knew his visit to Sedona was guided, as he said he did not know when he would be leaving, because he was planning on seeing us all at our next meetings at Tlaquepaque. He is here to help, and that is a beautiful gift.

Thank you Grandfather Martin for being here to keep us all on the path to saving these trees.

Blessings,

Jim Law

Here is an example of the Heritage tree program that exists in Seattle. Does Arizona have such a program? If not....we need this to help protect trees in the future.


Heritage Tree Program

A cooperative program between the City of Seattle and PlantAmnesty to celebrate Seattle's Special Trees.

The Heritage Tree Program was initiated by PlantAmnesty in partnership with the City of Seattle in 1996. The first Heritage Tree was recognized jointly by the City of Seattle and PlantAmnesty in 1996. There are now many more!

Heritage trees may be on either City or private property. Each candidate tree is assessed by a certified arborist and evaluated by a review committee.

Trees can be nominated as an individual or a collection, but must have the owner's approval and meet criteria for health in addition to being selected according to one of the following categories:

Specimen:

1) A tree of exceptional size, form, or rarity.

2) Historic: A tree recognized by virtue of its age, its association with or contribution to a historic structure or district, or its association with a noted person or historic event.

3) Landmark: Trees that are landmarks of a community.

4) Collection: Trees in a notable grove, avenue, or other planting.

Each Heritage Tree is identified by a plaque and the owners are given an owner's tree care manual. A few owners have chosen to place a deed restriction on their property to provide for future tree protection.

Nominate a Tree: Text Format Word Format PDF Format
SDOT Urban Forestry Arborist's OfficeP.O. Box 34996Seattle, WA 98124-4996206-684-TREE (8733)

Sedona Save the Trees Network

Hello everyone,

Today is Sunday 8-12-07 and I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend.

I would like to know if anyone knows the name of the Native American Elder who attended the Sedona Save The Trees Network meeting on Friday at Tlaquepaque. I would like to interview him on camera for an upcoming movie on human consciousness. V.O.I.C.E Entertainment does documentary films on spiritual based subjects: "Communion with animals and trees" is one episode. This film can also be used as a short clip for a News channel to help us save the trees.

We will be meeting this coming week and I should know the time and day by tomorrow Monday.

I am a musician and will be playing a song that I wrote that was in the movie "From Here to Andromeda." I will play "Livng On the Edge" live to the crowd, and then we can discuss the current situation of the trees.


Blessings,

Jim Law

Proposed Destruction

ADOT Interview

Sedona Save the Trees Network

Thank you for your support. The meeting yesterday was a great success. A half hour before the meeting, Wendy came up to me with a document from her court case with ADOT. I am the only one who has this document other than Wendy right now and I will share with you what it says. I plan on making this available to the public next week and it will blow the lid off anyone who says differently about the quantity of trees and size of trees, that are slated for destruction by ADOT.


This is a two page, under oath, Q & A that took place in court and I will note ONLY the pertinent information that discusses the trees ADOT proposes to be removed.

The blue and the pink areas they are discussing, are ONLY the areas that pertain to the area to the SOUTH of the bridge. Understand here, that there are dozens of large trees to the north of the Oak Creek bridge and several HUGE Sycamore trees along the walkway in front of the new age stores and several Heritage Sycamore trees that are all along the Tlaquepaque privacy wall that will be effected. Many of these trees I just mentioned, are ALSO slated for destruction, or they could be severely damaged by the digging of the huge trench for the proposed pipe line, or...the roots are at risk of soil compaction due to the heavy equipment staging area being located in those areas.

Begin transcript........

Q. By Mr. Dushoff: If you take that blue area that you're taking for the
relocated bridge, approximately how many trees are being removed?
A. By Mr. Jameson: In the neighborhood of 30 to 40 trees.


Q. By Mr. Dushoff: And what type of trees are they?
A. There's some Oak and Sycamore, from what I know.

Q. And what is the average height of those Oak and Sycamore trees?
A. I'm guessing that the average height is at least 40ft, but some are
probably as high as 70ft.

Q. Seventy?
A. That's my engineer's guesstimations.

Q. But you just said 70. I just.....
A. Correct.

Q.Okay, and on the pink triangle shown on the Exhibit #5...approximately how
many trees are being eliminated?
A. On the pink triangle, I would guesstimate in the order or 10 to 20.

Q. And would they also be Oak and Sycamore?
A.Correct, there's large Sycamores right on the banks next to Tlaquepaque,
and we are probably going to affect one or two of those very large
Sycamores.

Q. And would they also be in the range of 50ft. to 70ft. tall, or would they
be a different height?
A. About that range, yeah!

Q. If we take and put them together, the pink area and the blue area,
approximately how OLD are those Sycamore and Oak trees, if you know?
A. I don't really know.

Q. Any estimate?
A. At least 50 years.


********End of transcript*******


Now, from here on out, ANYONE who disputes the size and count of the trees
that ADOT is threatening to destroy...think again.


Jim Law
Land Art Works
Exec. Producer / V.O.I.C.E Entertainment
928-451-0321

About Heritage Trees

Hello everyone,

Read below. Is this any coincidence that just yesterday, I mentioned in a mass email that ADOT needs a certified Arborist to consult before they dig, chop or otherwise...KILL a tree.

In regards to their plans for landscaping; I have in my possession, the landscape plans...actually, there ARE no plans...only those that are written on paper that vaguely says what ADOT is supossed to do. There is no blueprint or landscape master plan for this project. I checked on this today when I went to the ADOT office that is located in Bell Rock Plaza in the Village of Oak Creek. What my (plans) say, are that ADOT is to replace every 4" tree that they cut down, with (1) 5 gallon sized plant.

There should be a caliper for caliper exchange...if you remove a 30" tree, there should be a replacement for 30" of caliper. In other words....(15) 2 inch caliper sized trees. This 2 inch sized trunk would mean the tree is at least a 24 inch box. or a $150-$200 (wholesale cost) tree that is around 10-12ft. tall at time of planting.

I am a Landscape contractor, so this is my language.

Now....back to the point....ADOT SHOULD NOT BE DESTROYING ANY SYCAMORE TREES OR COTTONWOODS. ESPECIALLY A HERITAGE TREE.

IN MOST STATES, A PERSON WOULD BE THROWN IN JAIL FOR CUTTING DOWN A TREE THAT IS OVER 100 YEARS OLD.


Now let me guess....after this email...ADOT will put out some propaganda that will state that they have a "landscape plan" and that they will be replacing all proposed trees that are to be cut down with caliper for caliper exchange. Its pretty cool that ADOT reads my email.


Thank you,

Jim Law
Land Art Works
Exec. Producer / VOICE Entertainment
928-451-0321

Meeting Report

SEDONA SAVE OUR TREES NETWORK
UPDATE


The meeting tonight (8-10-07 Friday) at Tlaquepaque was a smashing success. 40-50 people showed, each having a chance to voice their opinion on camera.

Grandfather Martin (a Native American Elder) was there. Just having him there was a real treat and his energy was wonderful.

Channel 3 News came up from Phoenix within 3 hours on such a short notice.

We had 2 other cameras rolling, one will show us on U-Tube and through other media, and the other is for any news presentation that may wish to use the film.

There is now a 2ft. by 8ft. banner hanging on the Tlaquepaque wall..SAVE OUR TREES and the entire group now has the latest facts to go on.

We have a legal document: A court, under oath, questions and answers from an ADOT rep. who admited that there are probably more than 60 trees that are slated for removal. This document was handed to me at the last minute for me to read on camera to the group.

Next week....channel 10, 5, 12 news from Phoenix, will cover the story.

A big THANK YOU to all who are supporting the life of the trees and the beauty of Sedona. I will keep everyone updated for the coming events next week.


Blessings,

Jim Law
Land Art Works
Exec. Producer / VOICE Entertainment
928-451-0321

Photo Courtesy of Blair Micnacco ©2007, All Rights Reserved

Meeting at 5pm Tlaquepaque to discuss plans

THE TIME IS NOW EVERYONE...

MEET AT THE BRIDGE AT TLAQUEPAQUE

WHEN: TODAY AT 5:00PM AUG. 10TH

WE WILL HAVE CAMERAS ROLLING AND THE LATEST SITE PLAN IN HAND AND WILL WALK THE SITE NEAR THE BRIDGE.



JIM LAW
LAND ART WORKS
VOICE ENTERTAINMENT
451-0321

The Facts and the Law

SAVE OUR TREES NETWORK
Sedona Arizona / Oak Creek at
Tlequepaque

UPDATE

"WE" want the truth and nothing but the truth from ADOT (Arizona
Dept. Of Transportation)

Thank you everyone for your support. I have had a flood of emails and
phone calls in support of this issue from as far away as Indiana. One
guy contacted me from Europe while he is on vacation.

We are getting their attention. Read the front of the Red Rock News
from yesterday, 8-8-07. Notice the smoke-screen, the disinformation
about the tree count. I wonder why the Red Rock News would publish
this for ADOT when they have not published the FULL information
(without editing) that Wendy, owner of Tlaquepaque sent to them
recently.

We would like proof that what ADOT says about the proposed tree count
is the really the case. Because the plans that I have in my
possession shows the round-about being moved to the south of its
original location.

I would like to know WHO approved this change AFTER the general public approved the ORIGINAL plan.

It clearly shows the trees that are being threatened due to this change and even without the change, many trees have been slated for removal or will be damaged in time due to reckless tearing up of their roots.

I have a copy of the report from the Arborist who was hired to come
up from Phoenix to evaluate the situation. It is NOT good news.

To date, several Sycamore trees have already been damaged and others
lives are at risk. A large hole was dug in front of the decorative
wall at Tlaquepaque that faces the highway. We have photographs of
the large feeder roots that were totally mangled without any regard
to the life of the tree. This is a 32" diameter Sycamore that could
be well over 200 years old. These trees can fall towards the parking
area and pedestrians due to a lack of root zone strength on the
street side. Their food, nutrient and water source has been cut off
on that side now and the tree will loose equal or more, top growth on
the canopy on the side where the roots were severed.

The following is a list of requirements that I feel ADOT needs to
comply with before any more work is done at the Highway 179 from
Exposures Gallery all the way to the intersection of 89A. They
continue to dig at night.

SAY NO... to the proposed round-about construction at the Oak Creek
bridge. There is no need for one there due to the fact that most
people turn left at the bridge anyway.

1) ADOT needs to physically and clearly mark with blue ribbon, any
trees that are slated for removal from Exposures Gallery to the 89A
intersection according to the most recent plan from Aug. 5th 07
showing the round-about being moved over 65ft. to the south. This is
will give anyone interested in seeing the exact trees they propose to
cut down a good visual as to what they are REALLY planning to do
before anything gets approved or any further work takes place along
that corridor. They say that hardly any trees are going to be
effected...then show us.

Note: if the city of Sedona requires a permit for anyone wanting to
cut anything down that is over 6" caliper, then surely, ADOT must
comply. Why is ADOT able to destroy trees, especially in a high
visibility area such as at the north and south side of the bridge
Tlaquepaque all the way to 89A?

2) Prior to any digging, excavation, clearing, removing, stockpiling
of any soil, all trees or vegetated areas need to have orange
barricade netting installed at the drip line of all trees and native
vegetation that are NOT to be removed. Compaction alone, from heavy
equipment, can kill the trees.

3) A tree survey showing all native trees and vegetation needs to be
provided for public viewing. This tree survey will note all trees to
be removed and those that will stay and it will note how those that
will stay will be protected with barricades, and how the tops of the
trees will be trimmed.

4) ADOT needs to provide downstream protection to all residents and
businesses that will be impacted by the bridge development. They plan
to construct a masonry wall along the edge of the creek, (that's
great if you like the looks of a seawall facing highway 179 instead
of the natural creek embankment) This construction will speed up the
flow of water creating a disaster downstream. There are NO plans
whatsoever as it is NOT in the scope of work for ADOT to address any
downstream creek embankment treatment that will be effected by what
they plan to do UPSTREAM.

5) No Rise Study: Where is the copy, available to the public, of what
is called, "no-rise study?"
This is required in order to ensure that whatever someone does
upstream, does not inadvertently effect any property downstream in a
negative way. The no-rise study is an in-depth engineers report that
can take weeks or months to come up with. This study will show the
effects of what will happen if someone builds a structure, such as a
bridge, retainer wall, or any object that might influence the flow of
water: velocity, or that could force the river to rise higher than
usual downstream of that construction. Our City planners require this
even if you want to build a small 4' ft. wall in a part-time wash.

5) An Environmental Impact Study needs to be done by a non-biased
company and the findings provided to the public before any other work
takes place between Hillside Sedona and the intersection of highway 89A.

6) Oak Creek is a Federal waterway. Who, in our federal government,
approved this?



Jim Law
Land Art Works
Exec. Producer / V.O.I.C.E Entertaiment
928-451-0321

ADOT Proposes to cut down 60 trees near Tlaquepaque

It all began with this email...

FROM:
Jim Beard
P. O. Box 2221
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
928-554-0500 Home
303-913-6734 Cell


Life can be wildly tragic at times!

Sharing with you an e-mail from an artist who works at Tlaquepaque, concerning the loss of 60 Sycamore trees.

The Arizona Dept of Transportation just won the right to chop down 60 sycamore and other beautiful trees for the parking of ADOT large equipment while they are enlarging Hwy 179 at Tlaquepaque.

Please send an email or letter to Governor Janet Napolitano saying not to ruin a landmark of beauty that people come to see. This is a historic property.

The owner of Tlaquepaque in appealing this decision. Owners of Tlaquepaque galleries are not allowed to contact the governor who does not know about this.

Please write to her if you can.

www.AZgovernor.gov/media/sos.asp