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William Schassberger, Co-chairCambria Forest Committee& Committee Members

February 10, 2010

RE: FREE BENEFITS OF PROTECTING THE CAMBRIA MONTEREY PINEFOREST

Dear Cambria Forest Committee:

The FREE benefits that the Cambria pine tree and, by extension, the Cambriaforest provide people and other organisms are listed below. Thank you to thosewho realized additional benefits and services not addressed in the first draft.

The need to set in motion an aggressive education component that tells the storyof the Cambria pine forest and the free services it provides is certainly part of ourmission. As discussed in the first draft of benefits, many of these services canbe grouped in an educational set of brochures for the public.

While the free benefits concept is one that humans can relate to it should not beforgotten that we are dealing with a unique ecosystem and the life- connectivityto other organisms should not be diminished.

Lastly, I advise that a companion list of harmful things that can happen to theMonterey pine tree if nothing is done to manage human activity can be equallyeffective as an educational tool. Some comments brought forth by CambriaForest Committee members that best fit in the harmful column might include:

Escape the "one size fits all" approach to our forest

Not having an impartial assessment of diseased and hazard trees

Not Enforcing county codes protecting trees

Harm done without training and enforcing lot clearing so that fewer lots arecleared as frequently and seedlings are protected

Harm done by not practicing common sense fire prevention

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Monetary Benefits

Trees and vegetation are community assets. They increase propertyvalues and increase the property tax base of local government.

Homes with well maintained trees sell for more money then like homeswithout trees.

Well maintained trees on properties have higher occupancy rates and rentand sell more quickly.

Greenery creates and environment that attracts tourism and business.

Trees planted and maintained around homes and businesses reduceheating and cooling costs.

Urban forests and wildland interface forests create jobs in vegetationmanagement, plant nurseries, and landscaping.

A healthy forest attracts wildlife which attracts birdwatchers and othernature oriented tourism.

The Cambria pine forest represents part of the community identity:Cambria Pines by the Sea

Ecological Benefits

Planting trees and maintaining a vigorous understory reduces pollutioncaused by energy production and conserves natural resources.

Given that dust storms carry pathogens (valley fever) and other harmfulconstituencies will increase world wide due to global warming trees willenhance the purity of the air by filtering dust and pollutants.

Trees help reduce noise levels from highways.

Trees and forests help reduce water runoff in urban areas and decreasesediment transport to streams and help filters petrochemicals that leak

from vehicles from entering waterways.

Forests help water retention by absorption thereby increasing groundwaterrecharge.

A forest canopy softens the impact of raindrops thus allowing rainfall toabsorb slowly into the ground.

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A healthy forest canopy and understory will condense fog during the dryseason and create a fog rain helping plants thrive during summer months.

Forests and its understory plant roots help stabilize soil from eroding fromrain and wind.

Forest litter completes the carbon cycle and reduces the need forfertilizers.

A healthy forest and understory support resident wildlife and help supportmigratory species with food and shelter.

Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.

Maintaining a healthy native Cambria pine forest protects a threatenedworld renowned genetic timber and fiber resource.

Wildlife habitat for resident and migratory animals.

Social and Recreational Benefits

Well maintained trees in urban areas create a relaxing atmosphere thatreduces stress.

Trees bring nature into urban areas that create dialogue.

Forested areas offer places of tranquility and introspection.

Green viewsheds promote healing and a sense of well-being.

Forested areas promote productive lifestyles and businesses.

Tending urban trees and forests provide physical exercise and familyactivity that have health and psychological benefits for people.

Trees help connect people to neighborhoods, create a sense ofcommunity and a sense of belonging and stability.

Climate Benefits

Trees can help control noise and dust.

A forest can reduce wind speed significantly.

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A healthy forest puts moisture in the air and creates shade thereby coolingtemperatures.

A forest reduces greenhouse gases by sequestering carbon.

Architectural Benefits

Trees reduce glare from the sun, headlights, street lights.

Trees reflect glare from glass and water.

Trees provide privacy.

Trees define space and function.

Trees can provide protective barriers between vehicles and people.

Trees screen undesirable views.

Trees provide color, ambiance, scale and texture to the urbanenvironment.

Again, I stress the importance of adding points to each of the above categoriesand even adding categories. This is a list of benefits that occur to me and that Ihave seen produced by tree groups but many additional ideas can and willgerminate from the points listed.

Best regards,

Richard HawleyGreenspace-the Cambria Land TrustCambria Forest Committee, co-chair