Tree-cutting along RR 12 raises questions of quality of life legacy

Many citizens are concerned and confused about trees that are now falling to the dozer-chainsaw-chipper. We need County and City leaders to explain the present plan and to listen to our concerns

Note: Jack Hollon returns with a commentary referencing the tree cutting occurring along stretches of RR 12 between Wimberley and San Marcos. A couple of weeks ago, the RoundUp received calls from citizens concerned about the drastic alteration to the landscape that was taking place, with little idea of what was happening. We contacted Pct. 3 Commissioner Will Conley who said it is part of safety and new design upgrades to the road at the Junction, the Hugo Rd. intersection and at the Sink Creek low water crossing. Conley said don't quote him, but estimated this phase of improvements would be on the order of $6 million, improvements authorized under the 2008 $207 million road bond program. That's fine and dandy, but we are also informed that some of the work may be proceeding ahead of vital environmental studies along the entire path which Conley says will, in the future, look nothing like it does today. New trees, he said, will be planted to replace the vegetation that is being leveled. More questions need to be asked and more straight answers need to be given. We're not sure if the work and work orders require specific approval from commissioners court or can legitimately proceed automatically under the blanket of the road bond without further examination.

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By Jack Hollon
Guest Commentary

One year ago, Jan. 9, 2010, the Wimberley View ran this headline: “Hanging Tree hangs up wide load convoy.” This appeared above a picture of a TXDOT worker, suspended in a high lift, applying spray chemical to the stump of a huge freshly-cut live oak limb.

For a good part of a century that limb had created a graceful arch across RR-12 one mile east of the Junction. Dave Cadriel’s well written article discussed how a misguided, out-of-compliance load of industrial equipment, being transported north by Starline Heavy Haul, Inc. of Alberta, Canada, had held up traffic and led to the mutilation of this “signature tree for the Wimberley area” – so the convoy could pass.

Like many Wimberley folk, I was shocked and saddened at this community loss. That tree and that limb have framed our coming and going for a long time – the tree standing strong and tall, a bit close to the road for engineering comfort – had seen Native Americans passing by when Europeans were scarce here.

Some sixty years ago the San Marcos school bus that gathered students from ranches in the Devils Backbone and Hugo areas passed daily under that limb. My brothers and I rode that bus, along with Halm, Snyder, and Guenther kids. (Another bus took Wimberley Valley students to high school in San Marcos, also past that tree.)

Like an old friend, the tree did its job of providing shade, food for wildlife, respite for birds, and our aesthetic pleasure in viewing its graceful rugged shape against the sky. It reminded westbound travelers where they were, even now, where we are. If a tree could pass on a message, this one might say: “You are entering a special part of the Texas Hill Country. Ahead, turn right to the Big Hill, with remarkable views and a dramatic descent to the Blanco-Cypress Valley. Or, straight on west takes you across the Devils Backbone: rugged beauty on both sides. Slow down and enjoy. Don’t take this for granted.”

What does a year of numbing adjustment to this assault teach us; what have we learned from this loss? And what is a proper response by those who live here, who have a history here and care deeply in the large sense about their home place?

The straight answer: this is a wakeup call. I must plead guilty to being half asleep, to not taking timely action or asking the hard questions during this past year or so since the “limb amputation” occurred. That incident warned that protecting our scenic roadways does not happen automatically.

If we residents do not accept the work of good stewardship, that work will not get done. The relentless pressures of development and money making and you-can’t-stop-growthism will continue to chip away at our quality of life, at the quiet and beauty, the flora and fauna, and the flowing waters that attracted most of us in the first place. So let us take this lesson from the Welcoming Tree and apply it to other trees and to all the natural wonders along RR-12.

Many citizens are concerned and confused about trees that are now falling to the dozer-chainsaw-chipper. We need County and City leaders to explain the present plan and to listen to our concerns. Then we may need citizen volunteers to reconsider alternatives when road ‘improvements’ are proposed. TXDOT serves communities in Texas; not the other way round. Same for our County crews.

Some of the once beautiful passage from San Marcos to the Junction can still be saved, but massive damage can be done quickly once a flawed work order to clear an area is issued. Planning that precedes clearing must be careful and imaginative. That is not the responsibility of the dozer or chainsaw operator; leaders and supervisors must answer.

Concerning other areas we must be alert and involved to protect the RR-12 segment from the Junction to Wimberley, and on to Dripping Springs. The same is true of 3237 to 150 and Kyle, roads that are no doubt on some drawing board for “upgrades.”

In summary, the need for clear accurate information about present road plans and activities, stressing how trees and the land generally are to be treated, should be addressed in a community forum. Time would be allowed for presentations and for discussion and questions. I urge that such a meeting be organized early in the New Year, so that all stakeholders may be heard. The interest in these issues may compare with the concerns about True Ranch a few years ago.