This topic is getting very lenghty and it takes a long time to load....let's start a fresh topic shall we? I copied and pasted the most recent posts to the next thread so we don't lose the flow of the current conversation.  Please see this thread to respond and/or keep up to date with this topic:

http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=4119&pst=786388

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Oh my goodness Chris! That is such a nice jesture and is so wonderful of you!  You are too kind! At least those 20 trees you sponsored will know a life of protection....and not of being destroyed.  Thanks so much my dear friend! I am honored you would do that!

Vicky....that sounds like a nice idea (asking about the mature trees) but believe me, they have a blueprint that has long since been done of what they plan to do with the property.  And usually, that entails "wiping the slate clean"..the slate being the land...and then starting from scratch.  Everything goes...that is the way it was next door to me. Trees that would never have even been in the way of the houses were cut down, simply because they were within the property boundaries.  They always rationalize it as being ok, because they plan to plant more trees once they get to the landscaping part.  Of course, the trees they plant are no where near the same as the mature ones they butchered...usually they are little ornamental trees that don't get very large, and don't sustain much life. Although pretty, these ornamentals aren't serving much purpose for the life that used to inhabit the older more mature larger trees.

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Chris, what a wonderful thing you are doing; sponsoring those trees for Tracy!!  God bless you!

Daniella, how grateful all the wildlife must be that you are preserving some of their homes!!   Heartbreaking about the rest of the land though.   WHY DON'T PEOPLE MOVE INTO HOUSING ALREADY OUT THERE??   Let contractors renovate buildings that are already built???  I was going down the road today and pictured all the beautiful trees around me gone - just a barren flat treeless land and I got so depressed.  People either don't care or don't realize what they are losing by each chop of an axe or a bulldozer!   It seems to me (but check your state) that you can put in your will that you do NOT want any trees cut after your passing, or you could make it a park or something.

ANYONE = what all can be done to preserve property with trees on it.   Daniella maybe the Public Land & Trust could advise you although I don't think they helped Tracy.   However since it is your land maybe they could help.

Tracy, I wonder if you or others could ask the contractor that for all mature trees he leaves standing that we all could donate a young tree to be put in another area of the property in the place of those that he absolutely has to cut.   It is still not too late to try and reason with him!!!   ANY IDEAS??? 

This post was modified from its original form on 13 May, 19:45  [ send green star]

Thank you Marie.... watching this all happen really sickens me.  It is like watching someone you love die.....feeling that helplessness of wanting to make it stop, but knowing there is nothing you can do.  And when it is all over.....that same feeling of emptiness and a void that cannot be filled. 

Of course, they probably plan to plant trees...but like you said, that doesn't make up for all of the mature trees, which were homes to much life for decades that they will cut down.  How do these people live with themselves, as they cut down these once majestic trees and watch the animals flee as they do so? 

Just as you are doing, I am going to nurture my yard and make it as wildlife friendly as possible.  More trees, shrubs, and food for all of those displaced who wish for a place to stay or visit. 

Vicky, I am sick of people too....especially those who don't realize the harm they are doing to the earth.  And there seems to be so many of those types of people out there, especially in my state.  I live in the so called "garden state" which is quickly turning into the "condo state" if you ask me.  How many housing projects do we need?  Are there really that many people out there who need these types of housing?  Who is their right mind would shell out $300,000 for half a house? (that is what the ones next door to me go for--not sure how much these will cost across the street from me). 

Unfortunately, with all of the places out there to contact who could help save this place, none of them were able to do so.  Some never got back to me, and others who did expressed that there was nothing really they could do.  The last shot we had was finding an endangered species of plant or animal life there that would need protecting, but there was none.  So now they have nothing to hold them back from scalping the land, as there is nothing but regular plant and wildlife there.

Going to council meetings you would think would open people's eyes and convince all involved that destroying the land for housing is foolish...but sadly, most council people are looking for ways to develop the city economically, which of course.....green areas don't bring in money to sustain the city.  So naturally, they go for approving housing developments..it is more economically sound.  I remember reading somewhere that my city's mayor hated when people would buy up land just to keep it preserved as a green area....he thought it was a major waste of economical opportunity.  Concrete jungles earn a lot more than a green oasis(unless it is a golf course...they approve them alot...and they are just as bad as housing developments).

Your story of the little confused squirrel broke my heart.  What is must be like for an animal to go out foraging somewhere, only to return to find everything obliterated.  And those cruel people responsible for the destruction never seem to care about that angle.  I saw many a disoriented animal wander into my yard, with the look of "what the heck happened??" on their face.  I really hope that God does intervene and stop this mayhem.

Daniela.....that is so sad about the farmland....sadly, it seems more and more farmers wind up selling to developers.  That is happening real often in my state, which used to be mostly farmland.  If they are only building that amount of houses on 60 acres of land, you are lucky....as the horsefarm I am referring to is 56 acres, and they are building about 160 houses on it!  Although they might be the split type condos like the ones they surrounded my property with, with each house really being two evenly split establishments.  But that would basically be at least 80 if you cut the 160 in half, still way too many to me. And the number of 160 was arrived at when early on, people sued and got them to reduced it down from about 200!  If I knew those people were suing at the time, I would have contacted them and convinced them not to settle for less condos....only to settle for NO condos!  I too dread looking out the window one day and seeing all those houses across the street, on what was once beautiful green pastures and woodland at one time.  That has been my view for about 20 years, and I am really gonna miss it.

Yes, please do take pics of your land and the field too! Maybe if more people see these pics, they will be more inclined to preserve the green spaces!

I am going to take one last walk over there today while the workers are still off, and take my last pics of what was once a sight to behold.

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i am so sorry to hear about this... it seems like its happening everywhere- and more frequently Including where i live. It used to be a little farm town with open fields, now everything is being built up. My dad has 18 acres of land, and he is surrounded by acres and acres of fields, and woods. Unfortunately, one of the farmers sold his land to developers. Its about 60 acres and they are going to build 15-20 (or more, im not really sure) houses on it Theres nothing we can do about it; most of the lots are already sold and they will probably be breaking ground soon. Our land is part field and part woods, we used to have a motorcross track but this weekend we tore it down. I really want to work on preserving the land and providing a habitat for all of the animals that are being forced out of their homes. Im hoping to plant tons of trees and deer grass to maybe make up a little for what we've lost from them building on the field. Ugh... im dreading the day when i get up in the morning, go outside, stretch and look out over the once green field, razed and covered with houses On the positive side.. i will try to take pics of before and after of my land.. and if you guys want i'll take pics of the field, too.

Although we've lost, don't give up... keep fighting because next time we might just prevail!

-Daniela

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Oh how terribly, terribly sad Tracy and Marie.  I am crying as I write this.   Marie you summed it up so eloquently.   I hate to say it but I am SICK OF PEOPLE!!!  Well, greedy people that only care about more stores, more this more that at the expense of one of God's most cherished gifts - TREES!!    You are so right - mature trees are to be revered and respected.  

Tracy, you did what you could my friend with the horse farm; you fought a valiant battle!  I think you are right; these organizations don't help the smaller communities.   I was praying so very hard for it (horse farm) to be saved!

Since Katrina I am seeing my rural area go flatter and flatter as the trees fall to construction!   I went to a council meeting a year ago (alone)with signatures and booklets for council members that I constructed on the benefit of trees.  I don't know if it did any good or not.   Hopefully they will leave most of the remaining trees alone.

I was coming home from another rural area the other day that is facing lots of construction and I saw something that broke my heart.   On the side of the road there was a bulldozed area where a line of trees had once stood.   And there, looking confused was a little squirrel - as if to say "where is my home"?   I cried.    There are still trees there though (and hopefully they will stay) but perhaps his little tree/nest was gone.   I am getting more and more depressed each day at the "so what?" attitude of contractors and people and the rapidly disappearing trees!   Marie, I, too, have planted trees in my yard and will keep my bushes and tree line for the poor animals and birds.   Wow!  You have trees that grow 20-30' feet in 3 yrs?   Fantastic!

All I can ask is that God intervene.   This madness must stop!   It is destroying habitat and beauty!

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Took care of the posting part for you Vicky....

And yes, I did contact TPL.....don't know how many months ago that was, but the only response I recieved from them was an email stating they had gotten my request, and they were going to investigate the matter.  Basically the same as other online orgs I have contacted.  I bet these organizations feel this proprerty is too small to be bothered trying to save....they would probably be more inclined to help if it was an entire forest that was hundreds or thousands of acres big.  56 acres is a drop in the bucket compared to the size of land that they usually save.

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Tracy, did you ever contact TPL (Trust for Public Land)?   Maybe they could do something.   It will break my heart if no one can save it.

PS  Could you fix the board where the most recent messages are fewed at the top?   It's a LONG way down here to reply.  LOL

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Thank you MyWishes and Vicky!  Yes, that is a pic of the farm, from the back just out behind the big barn.  That particular old tree is my fave....it is beautiful and even climbable lol....but unfortunately, the large branch that hangs out on the right got broken in a storm...so now it is sorta lying there half attached to the tree.   There are so many more beautiful trees on that property...it would make a wonderful park..all it needs is a little TLC.  OH if only I owned that place!

I will definitely keep everyone posted on what happens...any responses I may get, or if the unfortunate news of them starting construction there begins (I still truly hope that doesn't happen).

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Thanks for all of the support my dear friends and treehuggers!  I am happy to say, that with the help of my friend and coworker, I have gotten my petition all printed out finally!  I wrote a nice (hopefully convincing) letter as to what this petition was about and put it in the envelope with my petition.  As of yesterday, it is on its way to the target!  It feels good that I finally got it completed and sent off, even if the target himself will not be willing to listen.  At least we tried.

SO A BIG HEARTFELT THANKS GOES OUT TO EVERYONE WHO SIGNED MY PETITION!  IT MEANS SO MUCH!

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Don't give up or get discouraged, Tracy!!  The world needs more fighters like you.  At least you are trying hard and trying to encourage others to "fight the fight".   You are a blessing, Tracy!!

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This really burns me up!   Just found this signature on one of my petitions!  The !!!!!!!!

#483

11:40 pm PDT, Jun 13

Douglas Palme

Illinois

I think anyone who wants to build there should be allowed to do so.

Develop it, let the homeowners build to their hearts content

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Thanks so much Vicky!  I am still awaiting the next response........I'll post as soon as I get it!  On one of the next few days, I am gonna take a walk back there to see how things are.  From a distance, the woods looks absolutely beauitful on the horizon......the dogwoods that line the property out front look terrible.   About three of them are dying or dead right now.  They were once a breathtaking sight when in full bloom during spring.  One has already been removed some time ago.  Many newlyweds would stop the limos while they were driving by, and take their pics in front of them.  That is how breathtaking they were.  Guess the years and the pollution from all the increasing traffic has taken their toll on those poor dogwoods.  And what a shame about the structures on this property.........the fence line is falling apart in soooo many places, and even at a distance, the barn looks like hell.   I think they boarded it up, at least it looks like plywood on the windows from a distance.  I know the glass was all shattered out when I was last back there.  What a shame they let this beautiful property go.  It was once so gorgeous, especially when the horses were still here.  I miss those days..(although I don't condone horse racing, that is what those horses were being raised for,  I think it is cruel, but I still miss the horses being there).  I still hope this property can be saved.

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I am praying, praying, praying Tracy that somehow your beautiful horse farm will be saved!!!  Please keep us informed!!   If the TPL can do it I will send them an even bigger donation!!!

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We were talking about the TPL stepping in to save the horse farm; well it may be too late for them to help with that (although I hope someone intervenes) but this link shows some positive stuff by TPL for New Jersey.  Just click on the link.   Perhaps if there are other areas that could be saved that they could help out.   I sure hope so!

http://www.tpl.org/tier2_rl.cfm?folder_id=629&submit.x=9&submit.y=2

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Those were very good answers Patricia!!!  I think it is a wonderful idea, too!

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Good going Tracy!!!  I hope you get the 88 sigs FAST and I pray that it will help the cause!!!

I heard disturbing news the other day.  A city not far from me (25 miles) is pure country and they want to keep it that way.   Well the city was refusing water permits so that they could build housing (YUCK) in the area.  SO, the federal government steps in and says they "have to".  WHEN YOU NEED HELP YOU CAN'T FIND THE GOVERNMENT and when you don't want interference THERE THEY ARE!!  When are they going to learn how important trees and nature is?????  I think people in power (or most of them) are GREEDY IDIOTS!!

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Update on the water shortage and developmwnt stop ...

The city is one step closer to a permanent solution to its shortage of allowable water permits after the state granted it permission to drill a new test well away from its existing wells.

The city has maxed out its allowance and is down to the last 1 percent -- or 35 million gallons, which it is keeping as a buffer.

As a result, water permits are being withheld from developers seeking to build hundreds of new housing units. Some large commercial projects that haven't yet been built, such as the coming Wal-Mart and off-track betting facility, received permits much earlier and can go forward.

rest of article at

http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060701/NEWS01/607010303/1002

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A "sit in"!!!!  Good idea Martin!   You know it would make the news and might even go national.  Maybe it wouldn't be too late!!   You know, I was in my pool the other day and I had thought about chaining someone to a tree where they couldn't cut it down.  A little extreme LOL but those were my thoughts.  I said if they cut that person loose that another one could hurry and take their place.  But I thought hmmmm... maybe the second person won't have time to run up and strap himself/herself around the tree.  And by that time the "cutters" would know how to quickly cut them off.  Your idea is great though!!!

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Thank you Elvin, Margaret, and Vicky!    I think these developers think they are doing a good deed by planting little plants and flowers along the houses they build....as if that makes up for all the mature established trees that once stood in the houses' place. 

I had to work on the day of the planning board's meeting.....and then I looked in the paper the next day to see what the result was, but it mentioned nothing about it.   So I have no idea if they approved the deal, or if they postponed it to another meeting.  I did write letters to the council members right before the meeting, and I did get one response back....probably only because that councilwoman used to be my English teacher in high school.   But she was on my side about things.  Not fully knowing what is going on, I decided not to close my petitions yet.  Thanks to all who signed!

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I mean besides the poor animals losing their habitat/food sources, don't people realize what this earth will look and feel like minus the beautiful trees?   What is wrong with them????   This tree cutting and deforestation actually gets me sick and very, very depressed.  I feel so helpless.

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Hi Tracy.

I have just signed your petition. I wish you the very best of luck with this.

I can't tell you how much I admire you for taking a stand for what you believe in. I hope you and your neighbours are victorious. Sometimes governments, councils and big business need to be reminded who they work for and what life is all about.

Life is all about the sound of the wind in the trees.

Blessings and Peace.

Elvin Dreams

I couldn't have said that any better, Tan.  It is the sad, sad truth.  All us "treehuggers" can do is try our best to save them and pray with all our hearts!!  Such beauty (and some as old as 150 yrs) just chopped down and replaced with concrete.  I could cry all over again just thinking about it.  How much fun has a particular tree provided to children, birds, squirrels and even adults?   To think they can just be cut and forgotten adds insult to injury.  Very depressing.

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I agree .........((((Tracy)))) is awesome when it comes to saving trees...there are many here who I also admire for their love of trees....I have signed the petition..not the one for NJ because I live in GA but....I keep praying everyday that these people and corporate business stop building so much and leave the trees alone.....it just really pisses me off like it does all of you here.......here in rural ga where I live seems like every week I pass someplace that was once full of trees and life and now all I am seeing is big empty lots of dirt......Man will not be done til he has nothing left ....you would think they would learn but greed is the main source here.......I feel your pain my friends ....I am just greatful for groups such as this one where there are many good people still in the world trying to save what we all have left dohiya

Tan

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Tracy, first let me say I am SO PROUD of you for trying to stop the massacre of the poor horse farm.   I know how much you love it and I know the sick and depressing feelings you are experiencing.  I am praying so hard that the Lord will save the farm.  I know you have lots of pics of it.  Keep them always!   I am crying about it now, Tracy cause it is so unfair!!!  I FEEL YOUR PAIN!! Such greedy people willing to destroy something beautiful and good for profit!!  Don't these people have any boundaries in life?  Have you contacted the Public Land Trust or Trust for Public Land group?  I'm not sure if they can help or not.   I feel so awful.  Hugs to you in your efforts; you are an angel.

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Hi Vicky, hi John!  I am so depressed and stressed about this.  I feel so helpless. It seems like no matter what I do, it won't matter in the long run.  All the key players have dollar signs in their eyes.  There have been so many people against building projects here in my city, and we've all been passed over simply because the projects are profitable.  The council and the planning board happily approve stuff like this because it will bring in so much money.  Housing where people are paying taxes and such constantly puts money in their pockets, alot more than if some nice person wanted to buy the property for equine use.  I don't know if I can watch the same thing happen across the street from me as what is going on right next door.  Makes my stomach turn.

This is all happening at a bad time for me too.  Work is stressful as we are going through a major remodel where I work.  So many events are popping up that I have to attend.....I am going to try and make it to the planning board meeting though.  But I am not sure what I will be doing there.  I wish the people who filed a lawsuit didn't settle for 130 houses...why did they settle at all?  Why didn't they hang in there and promote the idea of preserving the land and not agreeing to less housing?  To top it all off, I can't find the addresses to the key people I have to write to.....John, you don't have them accessible anywhere do you?  I'm sorry I'm so unorganized.   This just makes me sick.

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Vicky, there has been a stop on all new building in the area, because there is a lack of water in the underground aquifers. More houses, more people, more water being used. Due to this, nothing has happened since last year.

The mention of DeLuca Homes is not pleasant - another opposing company. There's the delevopers and constructors now (and the owners!) - lots of men with Italien names, in New Jersey, in the construction buisness ... mmm ... sounds familiar! 

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Tracy, I signed the horsefarm petition in March.  What has been going on since then with that?

John, what can we do to help stop this testing and/or lifting of the stoppage of construction?  As many slum areas there are in cities all around, (trees already cut down) WHY don't cities clean up those areas and rebuild there?   It would eliminate more dreaded deforestation.  

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Deluca Homes? mmm... development stop & water shortage update -

VINELAND — City Council unanimously agreed to let a firm based in Freehold, Monmouth County, perform a test on a city well that could be used to lift the development stoppage on building in the city.

Vineland imposed the building moratorium in November, when the city realized it had come too close to the amount of water usage the state allows.

The city originally tried to purchase extra water from Newfield Borough in Gloucester County, but talks stalled over two parts of the contract, addressing its length and the price Vineland would pay for the increased water permit, or allocation, said Vineland Water-Sewer Utility Superintendent John Snidenbach in a previous interview.

The contract with Hatch Mott, and MacDonald, will cost about $45,000.

Municipalities and individuals across the southern New Jersey region are feeling the effects of water permits that the state Department of Environmental protection enforces. An influx of buildings and residents is catching up to the amount of water that is available every day from the underground aquifers.

Vineland is especially affected by these restrictions, since the city is in the middle of a residential and business development boom that shows no signs of stopping

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The first petition is for New Jersey residents only!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/174795891

The second petition is for anyone to sign, to show that people all over don't want condos to be built on beautiful areas of land such as Redwood Acres Horsefarm:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/566714037

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ACK! 

http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060606/NEWS01/606060313/1002

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The P.A.T.C.H. thread is waiting for you and everyone else, Tracy!!!!   Hope to see you there soon!!

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Yes, I had been thinking about it (PATCH thread; thanks for the reminder)!  I hope everyone will become involved and maybe start one in their town so that eventually we'll have ONE BIG TIDAL WAVE going and our lovely trees will get a reprieve!!

Hope to see everyone there (on the PATCH thread)   

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Well hello everyone! Thanks so much Larry for sharing that site!  I will definitely be dropping them a line VERY soon!  I tried a similar organization, not that particular one though, and they never answered me back.   Hopefully this org will be more able to help!  Thank you Larry!

Vicky, I think you should start a new PATCH topic!  Maybe we could get the ball rolling and inspire a group like that to spring up in several cities!

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Hi Madalena!!!   Any friend of a tree is a friend of mine!!!  Isn't this a cool board?   I LOVE trees, also!

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Hello

I am new in this group.

I love trees

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I sure appreciate the links and information!   The more info I have the more I can throw at 'em!!!   I think our community is going to try and save and plant trees but you never know.   Thanks so much, Micheline!

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This link contains contact information on corporations, etc that may help communities that may need (or want) trees planted in their area.   Lots of information that may help.

https://www.americanforests.org/planttrees/cart.php?action=product&product_init=katrina

Global ReLeaf is American Forests' education and action program that helps individuals, organizations, agencies, and corporations improve the local and global environment by planting and caring for trees.Global ReLeaf is American Forests' education and action program that helps individuals, organizations, agencies, and corporations improve the local and global environment by planting and caring for trees.  Here is their link:

http://www.americanforests.org/global_releaf/

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I am brand new myself at this.  I am just devastated everytime I see trees being cut down and more habitat lost.   What I did was call City Hall and asked to be included on one of their dockets (twice monthly meetings).   I will bring a few people with me (and maybe a petition with signatures about saving trees) and ask them what they are doing to preserve trees in this area since so much construction is going on (due to Hurricane Katrina).   There may be endangered/threatened species of birds, flowers, butterflies that would (or should) prevent the destruction of trees in certain areas.   I was thinking if people in cities across America would start groups like this then maybe (just maybe) we could have an impact.   Help me with some ideas.   Should we start a new thread on here entitled P.A.T.C.H. or something like that?   I need to find some info on how much oxygen trees add to the atmosphere, etc so that I can present these findings at the meeting.   Can anyone furnish any data to help support our cause?  Thanks!!

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Hello!!!  That is so sad about the horsefarm.  Did you ever do your petition and/or confront any council people?   Do you think they would make it into a park?   What about people who raise horses?   Maybe they would be interested in buying and fixing up?   Such beautiful pics.  I know the distress you feel about this.  

I wonder about starting nationwide P.A.T.C.H. groups.   Concerned citizens wanting to save trees not only for beautification purposes but especially for the habitat.   You could start P.O.W. (preservation of wildlife).  It would be in conjunction with P.A.T.C.H.   They really go hand in hand, don't ya' think?

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Hi Vicky!   Thanks for joining my group by the way!  I don't really have much to update about the horsefarm......no building has started as of yet, the for sale sign is still out front (even though the company told me it's under contract and not for sale anymore!) .  I see a truck go in and out the driveway every now and then, but I guess they are just checking in on the place.  I guess our water shortage problem is keeping them from building...at least, that is one potential reason.  I'm glad they haven't started building yet, but it is also sad to watch the horsefarm just get more and more dilapidated.  The barn is a terrible shambles...falling apart.....the paint and old wooden shingles are flaking and falling off, nearly all the windows are broken out, either by wild animals or vandals, and further back on the property, it has become a dumping grounds for old torched vehicles....at least three were there during the fall, who knows how many there are now--haven't taken a walk back there in quite a while!  The grassy areas near the woodlands (not the pastures) are overgrown with poison ivy, and the whole property is looking very haggard.  Breaks my heart......when I think of how it once looked.......wish I had taken many more pics when it was in good shape.  The line of dogwood trees out front used to be outstanding during springtime when they were all in bloom.......newlyweds used to stop and have photos taken there!  Now, one tree has died and been removed, and the others barely bloom at all, and are looking very ill.  Almost all the fencing has fallen apart as well.

This is when the horses were still there...sorry about the photo quality, it was an old 35mm pic I had lying around....... I wish I had taken more while the horsefarm was still in good shape....I didn't have my digital camera then, and I never ever thought that this property was going to be anything other than a horsefarm.......

Just look at this...........look at the roof, the shingles, the windows.....makes me want to cry

This is at the front gate, that too is falling apart, and you can see that there is nothing but a stump left of the beautiful dogwood that was once there.

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I know this is late but I'm a new member.  Tracy, what has since transpired?   I commend you for all your efforts!!  Lori, that is so sad about the birds sitting on cable wire bewildered.   I could just cry.   God bless each and every one of you for trying to save what God intended for the animals and beauty of our country.   Greed is such a terrible thing!

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Lori, I know what you mean....I have seen many animals looking forlorn over the destruction, and you know that their homes were somewhere amongst the destruction. 

John, yes, the sign is still up there, big and as bright as day out front!  Feel free to give them a ring!

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Yes, those folks are jerks!  Unfortunately, the almighty dollar rules and nature often takes a back seat. 

When I lived in Tucson, AZ, the property across the street from our house was cleared in preparation for a large housing development.  My mother and I walked across one evening just after the heavy equipment had left and it was sad to see huge piles of palo verde trees, mesquites, and cacti laying around.  We also observed birds sitting on the cable fencing around the area, looking at the devastation as if to say, "What has happened to our homes?  Where will we go?"  It was terrible!

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Me too Lori!  But get this....they say it isn't for sale anymore even if someone wanted to buy it, even though the For Sale sign still sits out front! What jerks!

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Thank you Linda and Lori!

Tanena....OMG!  I'm so sorry...hearing this news just brings an emptiness to my heart. Seems to be like that everywhere....people own land filled with trees and just sell it off to the highest bidder...always greedy people looking to build unnecessary structures....no one hears about any plans, you just all of a sudden see destruction.....just breaks my heart!  Seems like every road trip I take, I encounter a horrible sight like that along the way, and ask....now what the %#&!*% are they doing there????!!!!  It's truly sad, my dear friend...keep writing those letters to those officials....and if you want, give us an email addy or snail mail addy, and we'd be happy to give them a piece of our mind too!

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Osiyo, I have a problem, I went to pick up my oldest from High School here and to my surprise...there was a tree massacre...and I say this because that is what it was a massacre.....I had no idea what was going on and stopped my van to see and ask....I was in tears.......seems they are building up some community next to the school........my heart is broken......when I saw the trees all at least 500 or more I cried tears for them.....I could feel their pain and their cries......(if you are truly a tree hugger you know what I am speaking about)....I dont know what to do.....they have killed them all and no one said anything at least I didnt hear anything about building up some more houses...I live in a very rural area of Georgia and its mostly farms here but seems the big corporations are buying up land and selling it and killing trees.......to build subdivisions....the town is Hiram and it is truly a shame I am trying not to shed tears but it is hard my friends.....I have writen to the people who hold government offices here but still there are deaf ears....I feel helpless and now every day I have to pass to see all the logging trucks loading up trees.......and I cry dohiya

Tan

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Best of luck Tracy and all you other wonderful tree lovers. 

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Tracy, I have signed the Redwood acres petition. I know you are working so hard to save this area.

Have you thought of dropping off paper petitions to local shops near where you live? When I did a petition for Kei the Wolf, I dropped off some in local pet shops and it got a good response....

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i have stopped a few in my time, and my methodology is as follows -- be aware of the federal environment laws, and the state laws, be very familiar with the threatened species acts, and what a local council needs to do under the act to allow development -- then do your own flora and fauna surveys over a 12 month period at least -- compare your survey with the developers survey, then go pick the holes out of it and show how, under law, they must conserve the area. -- if you have to find a new species in there, try looking for ground orchids, or insects, fungi, or native snails -- they are the easiest species to get on to the threatened species list to slow things down.

also, be aware of your councils proposed development release areas, and get to them yrs before the council strikes.

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Thanks so much Sharon and Yvonne! 

So far everything is quiet at the horsefarm.  My city is having a problem with running out of the water supply, so many housing projects aren't being allowed to progress forward because of that.  I had a person who was interested in purchasing the horsefarm, if the owner was willing to hear her out, that is.  Haven't heard a word about whether or not she was successful in contacting him or not.  I'll be sure to let everyone know of any details I hear!  It would be so nice if the owner would sell the property to someone who wanted to continue to use it as a farm.  I really hope this works out for the better. 

Thanks to all who have been signing the petition and passing it along, and for those who have been sending well wishes and good luck!  It means sooo much to me!!

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Forgot... signed your petition, too. I wish you luck!

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Your condominium plight sounds the same as mine... three separate plots of land around around me are being cleared for condos right now, and one right in my line of view! I can already see last year's hideous yellow monster throught the bareness of the trees. It makes me sick to my stomach, literally.

There should be some kind of law that makes developers keep a certain amount of trees on a property!!!

 Way to fight the man!

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signed and forwarded today

Love and hugs

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LOL John!

Mari--thank you for caring......

We've had a few moments of hope lately, but everything is still up in the air right now....I will keep you guys posted if anything major happens!

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One day this ongoing saga will be a good movie!

heh Maybe it will & then they can take all that money & plant new trees with it

This is so horrible. I'm happy to still be out in nature with wilderness all around me. Tracy I'm so sorry your going through all this! It's horrible!

Love & Light

Mari

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One day this ongoing saga will be a good movie!

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in michigan if a endangered species is found in an area, all construction, or "enhancements" to the land must end till it is investigated by the dept of interior. if they find proof of the species, then  usually the dept looks to see if this species is plentiful in  adjacent area.

all this takes is proof that this species in on this land to start....  and then a impact stement must be given again... here are some things you must look for on that property...

BR Only breeding population considered endangered or threatened

NB Non-breeding population only

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Don't know if anyone is following this subject anymore, but if you are, here is the latest info.  I sent out letters to three individuals who are involved in this, Bernard Brown being the main one who owns Redwood Acres.  To my surprise, I received this letter in my mailbox today:

Dear Tracy,

     This will acknowledge and thank you for your very kind and thoughtful letter concerning our Redwood Acres property on East ****** Avenue. 

     We, too, have lived in Vineland all of our lives and have always had Vineland's best interests in mind.  We have not yet made a firm decision as to our plans for Redwood, but are taking everything into consideration including the present community and its future needs.

                        Thank you, again, for your interest and comments.

                                                   Sincerely,

                                                       Bernard Brown

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Just in case anyone has been wondering about what's been going on with this topic, here is the latest update:

First of all, I'd like to give a huge thank you to John Weatherman, who found so many great links online to get me on the right track.  Been contacting various organizations in hopes that I could find someone to help me save this place, and I got in touch with a very neat organization, which gave me a lot of useful info.  Unfortunately, the future looks bleak for the horsefarm.  Looks like anything short of a lawsuit isn't going to do much to save it.  I am hopefully going to band together with a small group of supporters in my community, and find out how far they have gone in their efforts.  I'm hoping something positive will come of all this.   The only thing is, I think this group may be trying to get the number of condos reduced, where as I would rather get the whole condo proposal thrown out instead lol.  Maybe I aim too high?  Oh well, details are still sketchy....I have to do some more research.  Will keep everyone posted if anything comes up!

If anyone hasn't already, please remember to sign the petition at the top ( the one from everybody)  I'm kinda giving up on the NJ one, as so many people from every other place has signed, and although I greatly appreciate the support, it is going to take me forever to delete all the non-New Jerseyans.  Thanks again to all who have signed--keep the positive vibes coming, for all the lives of the wildlife and the trees depend on it!

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very welcome....i am the worlds worst speller so please do not fret ....BabyBlu' can't spell anyway...hehehe

       for being so sweet.

            Dolores & BabyBlu'AbbeyCat    

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Dolores and BabyBlu'Abby cat!!  Thanks for the kind words as well!

It's nice to have such a great treehugger among us!  Hope you enjoy the group!

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       I love your 'Treehugger' site. I have hugged trees all of my 63 years on this Earth (smile)....and with a person like you in charge ....I will be hugging for another 63. (God willing)

       I am from Pittsburgh Pa., so I signed the 2nd Petition for you.    PS. I also joined 'Treehuggers' 

             Dolores M. & BabyBlu'AbbeyCat   

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Thank you for that info Laurie!  I believe those two places I did email some time ago, but no response yet.  Maybe I will drop them another line soon. 

John, thank you for all the help you have given me so far!  I truly appreciate it!

Jo, thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers!  It means so much to me!

Nyle I can see your pic just fine!

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Can't see pic? It reads:

BURN THE RICH

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 www.care2.com/c2c/group/agciv

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Tracy--Good Luck with this...I will keep you in my thoughts and

prayers. Hopefully the land and the living things will have a

chance vs. condos and Wallmart.

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Thanks to all who have signed so far!

LOL John!Good point!

Wenke--thanks for signing!

Marco--thanks for the kind words--I really appreciate it!

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I signed the petition for non locals. I deeply wish you good luck, Tracy. Your spirit, action and behavior on this issue is very inspiring! I wish there were plenty more people like you in this world...

Marco Tojal, Porto, Portugal

The best way to to win........ 

is for more people to sign the petitions! (well, it's better then just a BUMP!)

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is to know your foe and know the foe well. By studying the habits of your foe, you can enlighten city council about their habits( deforesting, waste etc) also you might want to look into if there is a plant , insect, tree or anything that meets the endangered species list, and that will stop all action of the construction untill a impasct statement can be made.

as far as one voice isnt loud one voice can have many other join as did in Marysville Michigan when acres of trees where wiped out for a Meijers store, Meijers restored some wetland and designated some land as a preserve, which appeased most tree hugggers in the area.

make yourself and your concerns known and others will listen and follow

Shannon

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What?! Does this mean I have to send back the ice-picks, awls and boxes of 6 inch nails? Just jokin'. I'll keep the ninja outfit though!

Mind you if that poor guy in Oregan got 23 years for burning a few SUVs, what's the sentance for slashing tires now? Jeez.

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Thank you so very much everyone!  Almost to 200 sigs on the second petition!  That's great!

PS-Hey John V.....You're not suggesting that I vandalize thier 18-wheelers are you??  If you are, sorry,but that's just not in me to do that....

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Tracy,

I signed the second petition right away! Let me know if there's anything else I could do...

Hugs,

Giuliana aka Princess Little Rock

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When we bought our home, in 2002...I loved it for the privacy surrounded by trees. Even though, I live in a home plan..on the left side of our home was a street and woods. It was quiet and perfect for us. We had a double lot and I planted many trees on my property. We had neighbors..but none too close.

I am a nature person and it had a lot of wildlife. I feed most of it. Then, in 2003...along came bulldozers and they cleared out the trees and put in sewerage. Needless to say, I was devasted! That is what attracted us to buy this home!  Next thing I know, realtor signs went up. Almost direct from my home, the first home started to go up, in 2004. It turned out to be for the contractors ex-wife. She had a log home put up. All the bugs, birds and wildlife came out of the woods during the construction.

Now, the house and is there and it sits on a double lot. The lady was convinced to keep a lot of the trees on both sides of the house. We talked to her about planting butterfly bushes, many new trees and bird friendly plants.

Now, the critters have returned...and many more. We now have turkey, fox and bear. So, out of 2 years of dispair...we were able to encourage the owner to make her home friendly to the area through landscape and other conservation.

So, the moral of our story...educate those who seem insentive to the environment . A little bit of suggestion & education went a long way!

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This is happening everywhere, a combination of too many people and greed.  There should be responsible developing but it hasnt happened yet. I say relocate the developer not the animals and trees.

BTW, hi Im Tree

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This is a very big perdicament you are in. I know how you feel though, there has just been a highway built by my house....And now there's more noise than ever!!

So, if you were to e-mail someone, I'd say you should definately e-mail the mayor of your town or maybe even the govonor. If my suggestions don't help you in the least bit, the only other thing I can suggest for you to do is to have a big rally. Or hold a press conference in-front of city hall and show the slideshow you provided for us to them. That might make them understand your reasoning.

I'm very sorry that no one has listened to you thus far, it's very sad what kind of measures you have to go through to just not be caught up in the system. I wish you the very best of luck!!

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I see Vineland Construction are the contractors/developers on the petition. They are a part of the "Brown family" empire, that's NFI Industries (see: http://www.nfiindustries.com/content.aspx?nodeid=b406818d-f932-462b-b860-c48e7ac1df5b ) Father Bernard and his three sons seem to run everything (including their own bank Sun National bank - see: http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/index.cfm?CID=news_view&Section_ID=1&News_ID=1689 )

I was wondering if the petition should be directed at NFI as well as it's a "family affair" (to use an old Sly Stone song title)?

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Thank you so very much everyone!

Also, thanks to Kathy G. and John W., I have found another option.....NJ Senator Lautenberg has been fighting to make a difference with things like this, I wrote him an email and sent it off (and John W. did as well).  I'll keep you guys informed if I hear anything!

PS--please be careful everyone when signing the NJ petition....the first petition is for NJ residents only, and I see several out-of-staters have signed...I really appreciate you wanting to help, but I have to keep the one petition for NJ residents only.  Feel free to sign the second one though!  THANKS!

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Signed and forwarded.

Good luck, Tracy!

I will be praying for you and the land.  I'll do some energy work as well...the others that have replied have given some great advice as to the media, petitions and letters...I'll sign a petition for you as well as soon as one becomes available.  I really hope this works out for the greatest good.

Blessings to you and the Land

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This is Not BLIND FAITH, this is a NECESSARY EVIL!

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Okay everyone!  I know it has been quite some time since I have brought this subject to your attention, but work has been unrelentless and I wasn't able to devote the time to doing what I wanted to do...BUT...........

I finally got my contact info all together, and some spare time, and put together two petitions for my cause:

The first petition is for New Jersey residents only!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/174795891

The second petition is for anyone to sign, to show that people all over don't want condos to be built on beautiful areas of land such as Redwood Acres Horsefarm:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/566714037

PS-Please excuse the end date, I don't know how that date got put in there...that's not what I typed!  It is a current petition!!

THANKS--PLEASE SIGN AND FEEL FREE TO CROSSPOST!

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Candy I have been thru this with you and you are a gop getter that will not give up...I have helped you I think and hope all is going well

remember everyone

HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ABILITIES

Within you is spirit capable of touching that stars. Within you is the ability to achieve your goals and make your dreams come true. Don't listen to others or fears competition or worry about wrong choices. In every experience there is wisdom to be gained. Have faith in yourself and move ahead with confidence, believing that you will fulfill your potential as the unique person you were created to be.

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Hi Kat!  I did finally find out who the property owners were and I am finding out some contact info on them--I am working with another friend of mine and we are finally finding some useful info!  I just want to make sure all the info is right--don't want to have everyone sign this petition and then have it sent to the wrong person or address!  I do appreciate all of the suggestions on this thread though!  I am trying to work as fast as I can in getting the ball rolling with this issue--it is just hard as I have been working so much and I don't have a lot of free time at the moment. 

Candy-WOW-who would have known that you would have gotten so much widespread coverage??  That is awesome!  So you think I should just make my petition for just New Jerseyans only?  I don't know how many sigs I will get if I do it that way....I have another petition that I've had going for another cause (fur farming petition) and it's been going for months now and hasn't reached 1,000 sigs yet.  I wish I knew how much time I had left!

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Tracy, did you find the property owners yet ? I was thinking,if you go to your county courthouse,I think in there they have an office which lists all property owners.There should be a help/information desk when you enter the courthouse, they could guide you to the right office.

      If that fails, try calling your county commissioners.But I really think you could find the info in the courthouse.

        I'll be in OCNJ at our place for 2 weeks last week in Sept, first in October.If anything is happening then I'll be glad to come help out.

I found a care2 group under "regional " for New Jersey.There are only 5 members and it's not active ( no new posts ) but if you contact the 5 members maybe you could get them involved in the petition drive.Here is the link

http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/NEWJERSEY

Kat

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Ok...I am getting close to having all the info I need for making a petition, but I need your advice on a few concerns:

• I think the only way I am going to get a good number of sigs is to make it available for EVERYONE to sign, not just New Jerseyans...BUT....do you think they will think it isn't valid because most of the people who signed it are not even local?
• What should my signature goal be?  I don't want to make it too huge a number, as I don't know when they plan on starting the demolition work.

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Thank you Giuliana!!

Ken, my thoughts exactly!!  I wish I had enough money to buy the property outright myself!!  And I think you would have to be a millionaire to buy it too, as it is prime real estate!  It is located on the main drag of my city, and the properties on this street are worth major dollars when sold!  In fact, I would estimate that they are probably selling this piece of land for almost a million, if not more!

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Tracy,

That is a beautiful place, and it shouldn't be developed! The land looks like an ideal nature preserve. Developers have no regard for all the trees and wildlife that call a place home. Unfortunately, money is the driving force.

I wish that I was a millionaire so that I could buy the property and preserve it forever.

Because of the abundance of trees and wildlife, perhaps a group like the Nature Conservancy would want to get involved.

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Dear Tracy,

I'm sorry you're going through all this and I can feel your pain!  However, I'm pleased to notice that you're receiving good advice from several friends... we all love you!

Since laws are different in the US, I don't know what would be most effective or even allowed...  Here in Italy, people would try anything!  You and your neigbors could all get together for a protest or a sit-in...  with lots of signs.  Then you would contact the media (especially local radio and TV stations), newpapers with photos of what the place looks now and a projection of what it would with the condos...  Wildlife would also play a major role which would be emphasized...  At either the beginning or at the end of each action, we might all get together and pray.

Good luck!  Hugs,

Giuliana aka Princess Little Rock

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Ugh!!  I am having the hardest time trying to find the info of the property owner!!!!!  I'm still with you guys and I am appreciating all your support and your suggestions....I am just having a really frustrating time trying to find out the information I need

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yes i will sign anything for the trees, keep me updated with any links

I have a tree in rememberance of my little girl Polly, there is 100 Redwood Trees in the Forest of Dean and they are protected for the next 50 years, so its something. So i havea big soft spot for all trees. I will try and get some piccies together and put them on here, we must never give up saving trees

Jecca x

It's so sad, Tracy... But I'm sure we can do something to help: there are 728 members in this group after all... So let's contact Newspapers, Bruce Spingsteen, make a petition (we must all sign: Americans citizen or not), spread the information...  

Hi,

I am so sorry that this is happening to you, you are in my prayers.

I noticed the list of creatures that inhabit the area you speak of, are any creatures considered endangered, or vital to the area? If so, you could go that route, pull the press in on it and hit them from the PR angle.

I would also suggest that you start a petition or open letter of citizens in the area and especially those in the market for property, that states something to the effect that "we the undersigned disagree with the zoning/development of the above named property......" and maybe add to the petition/letter that not only are the undersigned not going to purchase whatever is built on the site, but that you will also not patronize the businesses involved in the development and will encourage your friends/family to do the same.

It is terrible what is happening in the burgeoning development/housing industry.  Condos and townhomes are being built at a rate I do not understand.  Near me a company called Knisley Construction purchased a few acres of land and are building townhomes and twinhomes on the property, while existing "brand new" townhomes that were built last year remain empty and unsold. It is reprehensible that the city council allowed this to occur, and still allow the builder to continue building on the site. This is often the case when a small town with a city council, seated with reps that are old and have been councilmembers for years, are ill prepared for the rapid growth and development that is occuring in their community. With out even consulting or enforcing environmentally sound development practices, they approve everything for the tax $$.

I honestly feel your pain. Have you contacted your local council members as well?  If they do nothing, I would wage a campaign to ensure they are not re-elected.

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At the local level, I would go to all the meeting on this topic.  In most cases ONE email will not change a direction of such a project. 

A neighborhood group is one way to work on it.  Are 15 single emails to the proper person better than a petition?  Should you send emails and a petition?  Many times there is little that can be done if the activity does not violate a ordinance or law. 

Learn more about the laws and policies associated with this project and after this is done...get active.  People who show up for "MY" situation only are often the cause for a community to decline.  DO NOT LET THAT HAPPEN TO YOU WHAT HAPPEN TO ME or put together of people from all over town that see your situation and then help the other neighborhoods out after your situatiion is corrected.

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Tracy-

I would make the petition out to the developer of the property - put pressure on him/her - see if they are willing to save at least part of the property as a park.  You might not be able to save the whole thing, but maybe you can save a pice of it if you work with the developer.  If he/she is unwilling to budge, then publish the petition in the local paper -  generate some negative publicity if you have to - maybe the developer would listen then - if they thought it might hurt their profits.  Just a couple thoughts

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If you need any protesters you can count on me. Not sure how far I am from you, but we can work it out.  I am here for you and your causes

Your friend

David C,

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I'm sorry Tracy

I know this may sound off the wall,but what about contacting Bruce Springsteen to help?Vineland is where he grew up, no ?

: Q: How can I send mail or email to Springsteen?

There is no email address that I know of. Some people ask for Bruce's street addresses in LA or NJ, but I'm not about to hand those out; he probably has enough security problems as it is. I'll also throw in a comment that like most celebrities, I'd guess someone filters through his mail; having myself mistakenly gotten some email intended for Springsteen, I certainly hope somebody does.

The 1997 "Who's Who in America" gives his address as care of his agent:
Bruce Springsteen, c/o Premier Talent Agency, 3 E. 54th Street, New York NY, 10022-3108.

It's also possible to write him care of his publicist:
Bruce Springsteen, c/o Shore Fire Media, 193 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn NY, 11201.

If only an ivory-billed woodpecker or something would be spotted on the property.

Someday all the land will be gone,every foot of it.Then the elite will be living in a domed society in space.The non-elite ( and probably most of care2) will be trying to survive on what's left of Earth, like Soylent Green,Mad Max,Waterworld.That's why the space program exists." They " know darned well there wont be anything left here in the not very distant future.

Kat  

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Tracy

tell me what U want to write- just few lines... or NTWM me...I will do letter

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It is news-worthy - especially if every youth group like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts stood in front with signs protesting the preservation of the property. Get groups like the local Audubon involved. That sounds like quite a haven for birds! Who knows - maybe some rare migrants depend on that property. Stir up every angle you can.

The only way we can protect the future is by preserving the past!

Holly

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Catherine, although I was unable to attend the zoning board meeting, many others did, especially the people who are in a church and day care right next to the horsefarm's property, who are firmly against it as well.  Many many people attended that meeting who were against the project, and it made no difference, they approved it anyway.  They just lowered the number of houses they were going to build--originally they wanted to build 190, and they lowered it to 160.  The same thing happened a few weeks ago in regards to a super Wal-Mart that wants to come to Vineland.  Where they want to build their store, it would put a lot of small businesses that have been around for decades out of business.  My center city will become a ghost town, as it is steadily heading in that direction already.  The boardroom was packed with people against it, and they still approved it!  They seem to not care how many people come to these meetings to voice their opinions, they just do what they feel like doing.

Jelena--Thank you so much! Could you help me with the sample letters?  I need to be able to say the right thing and send them to the right people!

Andreas--thank you for your support!  I kept debating whether I should make a petition or not.  I know I could get quite a few signatures here on care2, but I was afraid they wouldn't really count because they weren't local people who signed them. 

Jan Erik--thank you for that suggestion!  I will definitely be doing some praying for this land!

John--I think it may be too late to contact the planning board, being they already approved it.  But I still might do the petition!

M.E.C.--contacting the media sounds like a good idea, however, I don't think they would think it is a place worth saving--because the building looks so bad and the fencing too.  But I am sure that there must be some oaks back there, because we have lots in my city, and they are in just about every section of woods that I have seen.  Maybe that might make a difference to certain organizations?

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Tracy I am with U- call me when U need voice! Do U need sample letters or something that I might help U with?

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Hi!

Looking at what Google found, I'd say you could appeal the decision, if the deadline hasn't expired. I'd suggest ringing the planning board secretary (no e-mail I'm afraid) - see:

http://www.co.cumberland.nj.us/govtserv/municipalityview.asp?fldMunicipality=Vineland

If it's too late, then it's petitions and the media time!  Or lots of appealing under every County, State and Federal law you can find - not very sexy but effective aggrevation.

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As you all know from reading the announcement page of this group, I was really upset to see the land surrounding my property destroyed to make way for condos.  Well, now the property across the street from me is going to have the same thing done!  It's bad enough I am going to be surrounded by condos on three sides of me, but now I am going to have to look at them across the street too!  And the place I am talking about was a horsefarm for thoroughbreds, but it hasn't had horses in years.  It is 56 acres of beautiful pastureland and woodland.  Many many beautiful old trees adorn this property, as well as young trees too.  There is much wildlife amongst the greenery that depend on this area for shelter! 

When this whole thing was brought up, I emailed my city's zoning board to urge them not to approve it for building, but the two emails I sent failed, and would not go through.  They have since had a meeting and approved this area for building!!  Several people have brought up lawsuits against it....not sure how much if any progress was made with that.  But my question is, does anyone here know who would be the right person to email about this subject, being it was already approved by the zoning board?  Is it too late, or is there some way to persuade them not to build?  There is and has been a for sale sign out in front, so I don't know if someone could actually still buy it, or whether that is invalid now that they plan to build on the land.  I am at my wit's end!  I want to save this place so bad....but I am unfamiliar with the right way to go about things.  I want to be able to contact the right person or organization so that I can make progress as quick as possible.  I can supply a list of city contacts, if that would help.  I just don't want to see this place end up like the property next to me.  They are planning to cram 160 condos on the 56 acres of land!  This place is home to red tailed hawks, songbirds, deer, raccoons, possums, tortoises, rabbits, owls, squirrels, and many more animals!  They will ALL be displaced or killed if this building is allowed to start!

Please take a look at the album I have created especially for this topic.  The barn itself, I know, is in major disrepair, as well as the fencing surrounding the property.  I know that it may well need to be torn down.  But I think this property would be better left alone and untouched, or another great option would be to rebuild and make it a sanctuary for animals, or something meaningful like that!  That is what I wish I could do--and would do if I had the money to spare!!  But I don't, so the best I can do right now is discourage them from doing this horrible atrocity of destroying the land for thier own profit.  If you take a look at the pics, practically everything you see green will be removed to make room for these condos!! 

So please please, read the info on my album carefully, and watch a slideshow of my album,http://www.care2.com/c2c/photos/view/209/818903219/PLEASE_SAVE_THIS_PLACE_/ and tell me you don't think this place deserves to be saved!  Again, the barn and fencing needs to be fixed up, but that doesn't mean that the trees and woodland need to be torn down!  Let me know if you have any ideas whatsoever on how I can possibly save this place!!  Don't let this land be turned into a housing development!

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