PRAGUE GUIDE

Question: Am I the only one concerned about the amount of trees they are taking out of Stromovka Park?.  Have you been to the park lately to see the decimation of perfectly healthy, flourishing mature trees.  I understand that some trees may be in danger of falling onto the public or some might even be sick, but for the majority of trees coming down I don’t see that.

This has been going on since late 2009 with at least 3-4 dozen, if not more already meeting their fate.  You may have to change the name of the park at this rate, in fact there are a least two dozen trees mark for execution that you can visibly see with a pink fluorescent X on them.  There are other trees also going down with no X  on them.

Yes they are planting new trees, but they don’t replace the character of a more mature tree.  If an older tree branch breaks you prune the tree not cut it down.

Rumour around the dog circuit is that someone within the parks organization is cutting the trees down for profit.  As you will see when entering the park  green bins used to transport the cut wood.  Apparently it is said that no one will notice as it looks like a regular park routine.  When you see the trees slated for cutting you have to wonder;

A;) why are they being cut down and

B;) maybe there is some truth to the rumour The parks people work fast from cutting down the tree, to cutting up the tree and transporting, as if to get rid of the evidence.

Another little fact, is that as trees get older, taller etc. that they rely on other trees for support and protection from wind etc.  When you thin out a clump (such as in the park) the remaining trees are at risk of been blown down by high winds (such as spring of 2009 where at least 2 dozen trees came down).

Oh I might mention that certain birds of prey, as well other birds and animals are making a comeback to the park, if you take away their habitat they will of course disappear, such a shame considering the events of 2002.

I think you need to ask yourself what is our park worth, I sure hope the rumours aren’t true (it wouldn’t surprise me).  The parks people really need to take a lesson on proper forestry management.

I am in the park everyday and I see what is going on.....it’s a real shame Daryl