Letters to the Editor 12/25

Letters to the Editor
State protection has its benefits
Saturday, December 25, 2010 - The Commercial Appeal

I was serving as superintendent of Shelby Farms Park when the forest along the Wolf River was designated as the Lucius Burch State Natural Area in 1988.

The effect of that designation was to provide Shelby County with support from the state of Tennessee. It also attracted citizen support that we had never experienced before the designation.

We experienced no downside at all.

The Old Forest of Overton Park deserves no less than this level of protection, so that it may be forever green.

Thomas T. Hill
Shelby Farms Park superintendent emeritus
Lakeland


Letters to the Editor
Saturday, December 25, 2010 - The Commercial Appeal
Old Forest is urban treasure

The Old Forest in Overton Park is a very important asset to our city. There in the middle of town, with high-rises, universities and homes, sits nature at her finest, exactly as Earth made it. Flowers, birds, animals, all have a home there, but, they will welcome us if we do not harm it. There is no need to pack the car, use gas to drive miles to "get one with nature." It is right around the corner.

Years ago when society tried to destroy Overton Park and the zoo, those ladies knew what they were doing! Now it is time to protect the Old Forest for future generations.

Beverly Dixon
Memphis