Columbia, SC — The Department of Transportation plans to remove 30 miles of our beautiful trees in the median of I-26 from I-95 to Summerville. Safety is the excuse being given. People need to stop texting, talking, speeding and driving under the influence. Trees are not the problem; deforestation is not the solution.

Ours is a proud state, a proud people who work hard, play hard and pray hard. We love our families, our neighbors and our land. When Hurricane Hugo decimated our forests 23 years ago, that was an act of nature, not man.

Just say no to this sad plan. Please write your representatives. As the song goes, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” Goodbye, Lowcountry greenway; hello, Los Angeles concrete and traffic.

Diane Rowe

Isle of Palms