Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 9/15/00
      Contact:                           Christina Chapple   

SLU SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO SURVEY CITY TREES
     HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University's Florida Parishes Social Science
Research Center (FPSSRC) and is looking for volunteers to help with an inventory of
Hammond's trees scheduled from September 14 to October 15
     The center and the Hammond Tree Foundation are conducting a walking, biking and
driving inventory of the city's public trees. The survey is part of the center's grant,
"Comprehensive Mapping for Smart Growth Planning Project," from the Louisiana Department
of Agriculture and Forestry. 
     "We need volunteers who are experienced in tree identification," Lewis said. She said a
meeting is set for 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 20 at  PJ's on West Thomas Street in
Hammond to discuss the volunteers' role in the survey. "We will discuss important information
and answer any questions.  Any help is appreciated," Lewis said.
     She said volunteers should contact her at blewis@selu.edu or graduate assistant Alaina
Bernard at alaina@i-55.com. 
Lewis said the tree survey and mapping project began last summer and is expected to be
completed in June 2001. She said the city has already begun creating maps to identify the
location of trees within Hammond's city limits. 
     "City officials will use the maps to help insure that the trees are appropriately cared for,"
Lewis said. "They will also help identify where further plantings are possible and what trees
would be desirable in certain areas."               
     Eventually our planning will be shared with other small communities to create their own
smart growth programs." Lewis said. "Trees are costly for the government to plant and maintain. 
Without proper care, taxpayers may be spending thousands of dollars to remove decayed trees in
our area."
                             -SLU-
Press release available online at www.selu.edu./NewsEvents/PublicInfoOffice/newsf00.htm