Hi BV Tree Lovers!

We wanted to update you on the Work Session with SDCEA, Town, BV Tree Board, and us this past Tuesday. You can watch the whole thing here: https://youtu.be/UWsCCP4OUxk

Overall, we think it went really well. We got great feedback on our presentations, perspective and overall with what we are asking for. We feel confident that we made a compelling case and. gave everyone a lot to think about. If we keep up the pressure, we are optimistic that many, many trees can be saved throughout our beautiful home of Buena Vista. 

Trustee Response

We were so happy that the Trustees participated with compelling questions for the electric utility. The Trustees, generally really seemed to agree with us that this mass tree removal is concerning, and that it makes sense to study better, safer options and funding mechanisms further, before taking the drastic measure that Sangre proposes. 

This is a great time to send an email to the Trustees and Mayor Fay and let them know that you appreciate their careful consideration of this important matter.

If you’ve got personal tree stories to tell, I’m sure they’d love to hear them. You can let the Trustees know you support them in holding SDCEA accountable to the laws and expectations of this community, and that SDCEA must be required to propose better alternatives. 

Email them here: 

trusteecobb@buenavistaco.gov

mayorfay@buenavistaco.gov

trusteehylton-hinga@buenavistaco.gov

trusteejenkins@buenavistaco.gov

trusteelucrezi@buenavistaco.gov

trusteerowe@buenavistaco.gov

trusteeswisher@buenavistaco.gov

We’d love to hear your stories and perspectives too!!! You can cc us at bvtreecoalition@gmail.com

Sangre Position

Sangre/SDCEA waffled on making some concessions but by the end it seemed clear they are only considering the one option of clearcutting all trees under the main power lines. That’s around 18 miles so they say but there is no actual Plan for us or Town to read, review or analyze.

Homeowners - File a Formal Complaint with SDCEA

Homeowners can file a formal complaint with SDCEA if you believe your trees are in danger, and for other reasons listed in the Bylaws. SDCEA is required to grant you a hearing. 

The rules about how to do that can be found here:

https://www.myelectric.coop/wp-content/uploads/A-33-Consumer-Complaints-and-Related-Matters.pdf

Please let us know if you file a Formal Complaint. Share it with us at bvtreecoalition@gmail.com. 

***If anyone has expertise on how to WIN these types of Complaints, we’d LOVE to hear from you!

Thank you everybody!

We couldn’t do this without the collective brains and enthusiasm of our community. We appreciate the input we’ve received from all of you already as we have been trying to figure this out. Thanks for spreading the word and keeping the conversation and buzz going. Please stay involved.

We think trees are important!

~ Liz

BV Tree Coalition 

bvtreecoalition@gmail.com