A small town west of Montreal has decided to officially recognize trees as living beings with rights of their own. A resolution adopted by Terrasse-Vaudreuil city council declares that trees are worthy of protection, including the right to life, natural growth, integrity and regeneration. The new resolution means the town will review its existing rules and bylaws to ensure that trees are protected or replaced if they must be cut down. According to the resolution: "The tree is a living organism whose average longevity far exceeds that of the human being. The tree must be respected throughout its life, with the right to develop and reproduce freely, from its birth to its natural death, whether it is a tree of cities or campaigns. The tree must be considered as a subject of law, including within the rules governing human property.” Opponents of the resolution question whether that means no more wood for houses and paper, asking if they can kiss their Christmas trees goodbye. Calling the resolution “subversive ideology,” opponents say we can promote tree abundance quite well without granting them rights. After all, they say, isn’t that what Arbor Day is all about?
