I saw your interview on the news and felt compelled to reach out. First, let me say how deeply sorry I am for your loss, Matt was clearly very loved. I also wanted to confess to taking down your decorations and explain my actions in hopes that it will at the very least, give you some bit of closure. I have lived in Texas my entire life and am extremely passionate about the wildlife here. I have been in Austin for the last ten years, during this time I have developed an intimate relationship with the many parks, greenbelts and water systems here. I have also witnessed the tradition of decorating Xmas trees along Hwy 360 grow along with the population. Unfortunately this tradition has a significant and negative impact on the Bull Creek Watershed, Wild Basin Natural Preserve, Barton Creek Preserve and many of the other creeks and wild habitats along that corridor. I have reached out to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as well as the Texas Department of Transportation. Both organizations are adamantly against this tradition but unfortunately, lack the resources to enforce the litter laws that are already in place. I have made it my mission, with the support of these two organizations, to end this tradition. I have been actively removing these decorations with other volunteers and have no intention of stopping. I am truly sorry for causing you any pain through my actions. I have no Intention of taking down your decorations again this year and I would gladly give you your decorations back, unfortunately they were donated to Savers on South Lamar. I don’t have anything against Xmas, or honoring loved ones, but I have witnessed first hand the negative impact of decorations that get broken, blown or washed away, forgotten or taken by wildlife. In mine and the State of Texas’ view, one piece of litter is not worth a Hwy full of decorations. I would encourage you to find a different way of honoring Matt, there are so many amazing volunteer opportunities during this time of year. Caritas is a local food bank and they are always looking for volunteers. I would gladly participate in any activity to honor your son, if you would allow it, other than decorating the Hwy.