Here are excerpts from a share.triangle.com forum, "Should billboard owners be allowed to cut more trees? The billboard industry is pushing a proposal in the legislature to allow billboard owners to cut more trees around their signs. This is the third year billboard owners have tried to get the law changed to allow more tree clearing around highway ads. What are your thoughts on this proposal?"

BILLBOARDS VISIBLE UNDER CURRENT LAW

In the year 2000, the billboard industry was allowed a 250-foot viewing zone by the Department of Transportation. This was done as a no net loss of trees by adjusting the cutting zone.

I was on that committee and would like to comment that there is now an adequate viewing zone for billboards along our highways. They should not be allowed to cut more of our trees.

The DOT has tried to do what is right on this issue and is to be commended for trying to protect the public interest.

Look at some of the messages on billboards on I-95 that are an embarrassment to the great state of North Carolina and then make up your mind as to who has credibility on this issue.

Bill Johnson,

Retired DOT engineer, Sims

WE NEED TO PLANT MORE TREES, NOT CUT THEM

Absolutely not. On one hand, we are encouraging people to plant trees to save energy, improve air quality and provide habitat for wildlife. Does there even need to be a discussion about cutting trees on public lands for the sole purpose of providing advertising for private enterprise? The disconnect is startling.

Elizabeth Burke,

Vienna, Va.

(To join the discussion, go to share.triangle.com and click on "forums.")

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