The Deforestation of Tymber Creek

The Deforestation of Tymber Creek

Sometimes it is necessary to speak up for the “little guy” who has no voice. In this case, I’m writing to speak up for some “big guys” with no voice – the trees. 

 

If you live west of I-95 in Ormond Beach, you’re probably already aware that Tymber Creek road now has a lot less “tymber.” Over the last couple of weeks, a massive road widening project is under way and the trees are, unfortunately, in the way. 

 

Call me a tree-hugging hippie if you like (I have a “Trees are Cool” license plate), but the reality is that I’m very much in favor of tasteful and balanced growth and development – both in society and nature. After all, I was a Realtor and contractor for years; so I’m well aware of the positive side of development. However, I also sympathize with nature and I absolutely abhor waste and needless destruction.

Initially, I was excited to hear that the city would be widening Tymber Creek road because there is a long, narrow segment between Breakaway Trails and Granada that has no sidewalk and is sketchy for biking. Obviously I knew there would be some tree casualties, but I never imagined that there would be such widespread destruction and deforestation. 

 

Widening a two-lane road and even installing a median and sidewalks certainly requires a considerable amount of increased width and infringement on nature, but the swath that the bulldozers cut looks sufficient enough to detour I-95 right into Hunter’s Ridge! Visually, the areas that were cleared (right into some houses’ patios) doesn’t appear to make a lot of logical sense. I hope the city and its contractors know what they are doing. 

Speaking of the city, there is an ordinance (Ormond City - chapter 3, article 1, section 3-08 A4) that reads: "If an existing site that is non conforming with regard to landscape or buffer requirements, number of trees or other landscape standards is made more non conforming by the removal, destruction or death of the plant material, then the owner shall be required to replace what was removed or destroyed in that area and to provide additional materials to the extent that it would be practically and economically feasible to do so, to meet minimum current standards."

I wonder if the city of Ormond Beach is going to “eat their own cooking” and plant a new tree for each of the thousands of trees that were butchered on Tymber Creek. 

 

If you drive down the mile-long stretch of destruction, you can’t help but feel sorry for the remaining gentle giants that await the claws of “the reaper” that will soon uproot them – or the fallen trees that lie on their side waiting for transport to the paper mill or the mulch grinder. It took hundreds of years for the majestic live oaks to grow – and only a matter of minutes to knock them down. 

 

Oxygen is the most important element to life. If you don’t believe me, hold your breath. Trees and plants produce oxygen – and therefore, give us life. There has to be a better, more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to expand our infrastructure and our commercial and residential footprints on this beautiful planet. I fear humanity is going to be in big trouble if we don’t. 

Magnolia Avenue in St. Augustine