Is a tree more important than people? NO. I don't think anyone on either side is really trying to compare the importance of trees vs. the safety of humans. Bear with me a moment here, because I really do have what I believe is an essential point that many can't see in this situation. I was born here. I grew up here. Nearly everyone that I've lost through the years, family members and friends alike, is buried or memorialized here. I've seen the city of Wilmington, the beaches, and every other part of the county grow exponentially. Along with that growth has come exceptional change, some for the good, some not so good. I've watched my native county go from almost-rural in its "vibe" and flavor to very urban, metro, and sometimes disconnected. By disconnected, I mean that Wilmington used to be a place where you probably knew or had at least heard of more than 50% of the total population; it has since become a place of quite possibly more non-natives than locals, a place where the dialects and accents, ideas and opportunities, have all changed dramatically. I'm not saying that all change is bad. Much of what's happened has been quite good for us all. However...and this is the part I really would like those who have trouble with a family losing a longstanding and long-loved tree vanish to understand...for those of us that were born here...grew up here...buried loved ones here...raised children of our own here...this piece of geography is a part of us. For many of us, losing parts of this land to inevitable progress feels like losing yet another dear friend. No, losing a tree is NOT the same as losing a person, but it is yet one more loss, one more reminder that the place we've loved all our lives is once again forever changed, forever diminished. We can't control the loss of loved family members and cherished friends, and we're now somewhat painfully reminded that we can't even stop the loss of a tree. Yes, I understand and accept that change and progress are inescapable. For the most part, I have no problem with that. I don't fly a lot, perhaps only twice a year, but when I do, naturally I want those flights to be as safe as possible. But I still miss the Wilmington and the New Hanover County that once was. Deride me on this if you must, but I mourn the loss of this tree because it's just one more reminder that the place I came to know the world in continues to dwindle while another different one begins and thrives. Can you really not understand such devotion to where one comes from? It's why my great-great-great grandfather, my great-great grandfather, my great grandfather, my grandfather, my father, myself, and both my sons joined the military to protect this land. That's 7 - SEVEN - generations of my people fighting for North Carolina, New Hanover County, and Wilmington. I sincerely hope that now that you and poster Guestxxxxxxxxxx can hopefully see that this is NOT about needing or wanting 15 minutes of fame or any amount of money. It's about wanting to protect where you come from. It's about saying goodbye. Yes, I do hope you can see that now, but if you still can't, please have enough decency to NOT criticize those of us that aren't completely thrilled about losing another part of ourselves and where we come from. If you lost one of your arms or legs, or if your house and all your belongings were destroyed in a fire, would you really want me telling you to shut up and move on? Would you be okay with me claiming that you only did it for the money or the fame? I realize my post has been long, but hopefully you can see that it's a true passion for me and those like me. If you've stuck with me and read this far, I extend sincere thanks to you for being willing to consider another viewpoint that is different from your own. Doing so is the true mark of one who is civilized and decent.