STOP Cobb County’s Plans to Cut Down Trees on Columns Drive Median

The Issue

We are local residents, runners, and cyclists whose daily lives have been graced by the majesty and beauty of the Oak and Magnolia trees along Columns Drive. These trees serve as an emblem of natural heritage, significantly enhancing the local aesthetic while also providing myriad environmental benefits. Regrettably, the Cobb County last week approved plans to cut down these mature trees, purportedly to reduce maintenance costs.

We adamantly believe this decision would lead to a tragic loss of a Cobb County treasure that is not easily quantifiable in monetary terms. Trees play a crucial role in reducing urban heat, filtering air, and providing habitats for local wildlife. According to a study by the U.S.Forest Service, a large tree can provide a day's supply of oxygen for up to four people. We ask our fellow citizens to join us in urging Cobb County to reconsider their decision, considering the long-term environmental implications and intangible benefits these trees provide. 

Please sign this petition to save the beautiful Oak and Magnolia trees of Columns Drive.

Alternatively, please voice your concern by contacting the responsible Cobb County individuals 

JoAnn.Birrell@cobbcounty.org

Lisa.Cupid@cobbcounty.org

Jeremy.Lorens@cobbcounty.org

avatar of the starter
Paul WickettPetition Starter
Media inquiries

3,619

The Issue

We are local residents, runners, and cyclists whose daily lives have been graced by the majesty and beauty of the Oak and Magnolia trees along Columns Drive. These trees serve as an emblem of natural heritage, significantly enhancing the local aesthetic while also providing myriad environmental benefits. Regrettably, the Cobb County last week approved plans to cut down these mature trees, purportedly to reduce maintenance costs.

We adamantly believe this decision would lead to a tragic loss of a Cobb County treasure that is not easily quantifiable in monetary terms. Trees play a crucial role in reducing urban heat, filtering air, and providing habitats for local wildlife. According to a study by the U.S.Forest Service, a large tree can provide a day's supply of oxygen for up to four people. We ask our fellow citizens to join us in urging Cobb County to reconsider their decision, considering the long-term environmental implications and intangible benefits these trees provide. 

Please sign this petition to save the beautiful Oak and Magnolia trees of Columns Drive.

Alternatively, please voice your concern by contacting the responsible Cobb County individuals 

JoAnn.Birrell@cobbcounty.org

Lisa.Cupid@cobbcounty.org

Jeremy.Lorens@cobbcounty.org

avatar of the starter
Paul WickettPetition Starter
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

Lisa Cupid
Lisa Cupid
Cobb County Commission Chair
Responded
“Thanks for emailing me and letting me know of your concerns. Please see the response of our DOT Director below. Lisa N. Cupid Cobb County Chairwoman Cobb DOT consulted with an arborist in 2024 to evaluate the health of trees within the medians. The arborist determined that the trees were end of life and needed to be removed. Cobb DOT worked with the District Commissioner at the time to allocate $215,000 of District Capital funds to remove and replace trees at 11 of the 18 median sections. This project remained a priority, as three trees have fallen within just the last month. Work was originally scheduled to begin next week. However, we do understand the community concerns that have been raised. The plan is for Road Maintenance to work with an arborist to scale the project down by identifying just the trees that pose an imminent risk to the travelling public. These trees will be removed and replaced with species that maintain the corridor’s character. More information about the revised scope will be made public once it is available. Thank you, Drew Raessler, P.E. Director Cobb County Department of Transportation”
Joann Birrell
Joann Birrell
Cobb County Commission - District 3
Responded
“Given the volume of maintenance required for trees on Columns Dr, Cobb DOT consulted with an arborist in 2024 to evaluate the health of trees within the medians. The arborist determined that the trees were end of life and needed to be removed. Cobb DOT worked with the District Commissioner at the time to allocate $215,000 of District Capital funds to remove and replace trees at 11 of the 18 median sections. Understanding the community concerns about the original scope of tree removals, the County is working with an arborist to scale the project down by identifying just the trees that pose an imminent risk to the travelling public. Just those trees will be removed and replaced with trees that match the character of the corridor. More information about the revised scope will be made public once it is available.”

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Petition created on March 29, 2025