Unfortunately, the newscast on Channel 12 that aired April 26th, was incorrect and misleading. There is no doubt sensationalism drives the media. Even more unfortunate is the fact that three (3) Mandarin residents took it upon themselves to intentionally misrepresent material facts to the community and to the media.

The only trees that are being proposed for removal along Mandarin Road and Scott Mill Road are the trees that were 'butchered' during last years hurricanes. In an effort to make the JEA remediate the damage that was caused by the tree trimming during the storms, I asked the City Forester and the JEA Forester to determine which trees would not thrive or survive due to the over trimming.

The trees in question are the trees that they have been identified as 'pole trees' or trees which have been 'topped out'. The subject trees are actually easy to recognize; they are the trees that have had their tops completely removed. Let me reiterate the only trees scheduled to be removed are the pole trees. NO LARGE LIVE OAKS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE REMOVED OR TRIMMED. Once the tree is removed JEA will plant a healthy tree its place. In NO way is this about trimming any of the large Patriarch Oaks.

Also, please note that an overwhelming majority of the trees to be removed (topped out trees) are 4-5 inch Sweet Gum trees, which are not protected by the Scenic & Historic Corridor (2001-1009-E page 2, Sec. 305.203 (a). In actuality, the number of trees is far less than the number stated during the Channel 12 report. It is NOT HUNDREDS. In fact, at approximately 108 trees within a 12 mile area. On Mandarin Road, a Scenic & Historic Corridor, which specifically protects live oaks, three (3) live oaks are scheduled to be removed: two (2) six inch in the 12000 block and one (1) seven inch in the 14000 block. The JEA will be pulling a specific permit for these three (3) trees.

CBS 47 and Fox 30 News (WAWS) aired stories at 6:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., April 27th, providing the REAL story and setting the record straight. Furthermore, for your edification, I have attached the door hanger that was put out by the JEA and a picture of a typical 'pole tree'.

First Coast News corrected the inaccurate statements that they made last week. The link is: http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=36333

Finally, you will find a link to an article that was in the Times Union, April 13th: http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/041305/ner_18445284.shtml which more accurately describes what is being proposed.

There was another article trying to explain what is being done on Saturday, April 30th. The link is: http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/043005/ner_18598258.shtml

I hope this answers your questions.

Best regards,
Sharon Copeland
Councilwoman, District 6
Jacksonville City Council
117 W. Duval Street, Suite 425
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Direct Line: (904) 630-1388
Fax Number: (904) 630-2906

Additional Links:
Ordinance 2001-1009-E