We, the undersigned residents in the Donaldson Run neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia, state the following:

1.      We are troubled by the continual loss of our neighborhood’s large canopy trees, which has accelerated in recent years.

2.      Losing our mature tree canopy threatens our quality of life.   Large trees are cooling, reduce energy costs, buffer traffic and construction noise, reduce air and water pollution, and sequester carbon.  They are an important factor in proper management of stormwater and contribute to healthier air quality.  Native canopy trees support our native butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.  

3.     We wish to see Donaldson Run preserve its contribution as one of the largest areas of mature trees remaining north of Langston Boulevard.  Our 2000 Neighborhood Conservation Plan noted that most residents reported what they liked most about our neighborhood (apart from its proximity to DC) was “the abundance of trees.”  Week by week, year by year since then, we have been losing these.  

4.     Preserving Donaldson Run’s mature trees will be vital to the County’s ability to meet its stated goal of 40% tree canopy.  

We therefore urge the County Board to:

1.     Prioritize the preservation of Donaldson Run’s large canopy trees and those throughout the County; and

2.     Take meaningful steps to increase the canopy here and throughout the County, including consideration of reducing lot coverage and main building footprint limits in Donaldson Run and throughout the County.