What is the life of a tree worth? To most, not much. It's a commodity and nothing more. But perhaps we can agree some trees are special, by virtue of age, rarity, and beauty. Well, an ancient tree near the corner of Broad and Charlotte has all three, and it is to be cut down in the next few days so a developer can squeeze in another parking spot for his planned "multi-use" structure. This venerable Silver Leaf maple is possibly the oldest in the city, according to Asheville Green Works. If it is not the oldest, it is likely the second oldest at 180 years of age, and an exquisite specimen of the species. They're right. It really is quite special; massive, stately, elegant. Is that news? Maybe not, but it's part of a trend grown increasingly prevalent as the city of Asheville becomes more and more popular, more and more expensive to live in, and more and more a target for greedy developers. The news is, all these "green" NGO's who I have approached and asked to help me save this tree just point to the next one, and say "did you try....?" This led me around and around til I returned to where I started. The fact is, local environmental groups have no authority to stop wanton destruction of old growth trees and must appeal instead to developer's consciences. City Hall was also unable to help. I was told that if I persisted in "interfering with [the owner's] right to commerce" I should consider hiring an attorney. That's right. I was basically told to shut up. That is when I took off my Made In Asheville rose-colored glasses. I mean, do we just purport to stand for something, or do we actually stand for it? At what point is the value of a 200-year-old tree higher than the value of a parking space? Why is there no protection for this tree? Why does no one care?

I'm asking you to come and see it for yourself. You'll understand then why the senseless death of this tree is so heartbreaking. And maybe, just maybe, you can help me keep it alive for future generations to enjoy. Sign this petition and tell City Hall We Notice. We Care. And We Vote.