Mr. Norman Brown
Urban Forestry
City of Richmond
Richmond, VA           
via email: Norman.Brown@richmondgov.com

 Dear Mr. Brown,

 Suzette Lyon suggested that I write to you after we spoke yesterday about the need to replace the Bradford Pear trees north of 17^th Street Farmers’ Market. She explained to me that you are responsible for planting trees in that section of the City. The current trees are the ones that the Purple Martins are using as a pre-migratory roost site.

 If the local businesses and environmental organizations donated money to purchase the trees, what would be the possibility of planting 23 Bradford Pear trees in the fall? The proposed location of the new line of trees would be west of the current trees, in the islands between the parking spaces behind the Farmers’ Market office.

 Board Members of the Purple Martin Conservation Association, National Audubon Society, Richmond Audubon Society and the Virginia Society of Ornithology would support the new trees – of that I am sure. As the Volunteer Coordinator of the Purple Martin Festival, I believe that I could get individuals to contribute as well for the purchase of the trees. And I believe that owners of local Shockoe Bottom businesses would contribute based on the number of meals that 3,600 visitors generated.

 What do we need to do to begin planting new trees in the fall? Are there forms to fill out and complete? Do we need to ask permission from anyone?

 Thank you for your time and cooperation in this matter.

Sincerely,
Sue Ridd - Coordinator of Volunteers, Purple Martin Festival