Garrett Koonsman's Reply to LSTs LTE

Let me first thank LST for clearing up some confusion. However, let me quickly follow that by pointing out that the entire issue of The Big Tree is completely

ignored in their response. As a Koonsman this tree does in fact directly affect me. Even living 1000 miles away in Colorado, I intend to do what I can to help save

my family's tree. I will not go into the many details of the meaning of our tree as my father has done so already through his columns, however I will pose a question

in a forum that is not closed door as the meetings have been thus far. My understanding is that the transmission lines being put in must follow a fairly straight line.

However, in this case, straight does not mean zero degrees of difference. Again, my understanding is that approximately 8 degrees of change is considered

acceptable and safe. This brings me to my question. How many degrees would the lines have to move in order to miss the tree all together? Is it greater than 8? If

so by how much is it greater? Has this even been measured out properly? If so, by whom? I'll tell you what I know. It has been measured out and plotted. By a

man that has worked construction for many years and knows his way around a math equation or two. And by his calculations, it is within 8 degrees. If this is

incorrect, LST, please correct me and show the plot and math to prove it. If not, please give me a reason as to why you would gather so much negative publicity

and ignore an entire family's and community's wishes instead of simply moving those 8 degrees. This is all I ask. A simple explanation for what I see as a

wrongdoing. I have grown up with this tree. I have taken family portraits under it, buried some of my best friends under it and spent time with my wonderful family

in its shade. I will have a wife and kids of my own in the not-so-distant future. And if I have to look them in the eyes and tell them that where your power lines stand

was once a tree that was beautiful and meaningful beyond belief, yet it no longer is there, it will nearly kill me. But what would be worse is, if I have no explanation

as to why it needed to be done this way. So give me the decency of an explanation, an honest, full explanation. And once you have done that, look deep into that

explanation and ask yourself, "Does this justify my/our actions and lack of care?" Let me know what answer you find.