Index of SPPS Budget Discussion http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/spps-posts.html _________________________________________ Some time ago I mentioned something about the effect of air pollution from freeway traffic on the plants in the median of I-35E. Someone responded that air pollution might not be causing the demise of the plants. So, I got in touch with MnDot to see if they had any opinions on the subject.
Paul Walvatne, the Mn/DOT Forestry Unit Supervisor, was kind enough to reply and he says that there are multiple causes for the struggle the plants have to survive. They include: 1. Air pollution from freeway traffic, 2. Salt used in the Winter, 3. Lack of fertilizer due to budget cuts, 4. Use of some plants designed to have a short life span, 5. Rush of air from passing cars affecting plants, 6. Loss of mulch and fallen leaves due to wind, and 7. Nighttime lighting which confuses plants and prevents their getting proper rest (really, this affects the plants' hardiness). In short, that median is a very tough environment for plants. The lack of maintenance due to the budget cuts is disturbing. The state invested a good deal of money in creating that median. Allowing it to deteriorate essentially wastes the money already invested. I wonder how many other valuable assets are being destroyed by refusing to pay to maintain them in order to save some money in the short term. Seems pennywise and poundfoolish to me. Charlie Swope Ward 1 _____________________________________________ SPPS Budget Reduction Forum - Feb. 23-27 Co-Sponsored By NEAT: http://www.stpaulneat.org/ _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
