----- Original Message -----

From: Ron Naiser

To: cypresswoodtrailgroup@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, July 30, 2006 1:25 PM

Subject: [cypresswoodtrailgroup]

It does not seem to me that Eversole really cares about this issue.  Can anyone provide any on the record documentation about his support for this project?   Probably, the best way to get his attention is by donating to his re-election fund….like all the developers do.  I propose collecting $25.00 from Cypresswood user.  I would bet that a $2000 donation from the Save the Cypresswood Trail Group would get his attention.  I will write the first check for $500.  Remember this is politics.

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From: cypresswoodtrailgroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:cypresswoodtrailgroup@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kevin Highfield
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2006 12:44 PM
To: Cypresswood Trail Group
Subject: [cypresswoodtrailgroup] TRAIL DESTRUCTION

I am sorry to have to report that the bulldozers are currently working in the center section of the trail - the private property - working to harvest about 60% of the trees.  This is terrible news and amounts to the destruction of the substantial portion of Cypresswood Trail.  The work will take about 2 months, and started yesterday (24 July).

I have spoken at length to Laura Sykes of TPL and to the seller's broker Bill McDade.   Mr. McDade confirmed that the land owner is harvesting the trees for financial gain.  This action is perfectly within the property owner's right.

Laura was surprised by this news, since she has been actively negotiating with Mr McDade since the property went on the market, trying to work a deal for the Flood District to purchase the property, and we thought that the negotiations were proceeding towards a successful conclusion.  However, the current action is indicative that the owner may have other ideas, or offers on the table.

Laura is working to reach the appropriate personnel at the Flood District to see if she can get them to move along with the negotiations so we can head off sale to a private purchaser with a realistic offer.  I have called P4 Parks Director Dennis Johnston and asked him to bring the commissioner in on this to see if he can apply appropriate pressure.

This is something I thought we would never have to see and I have been working hard to avoid it since early 2004.  To say I'm disappointed would be something of an understatement.  However, once again, perhaps another active threat to the trail will be yet another blessing in disguise that will finally get a deal on the table.

I have tried to appeal to the community spirit of Mr. McDade and through him, to the land-owner.  I have re-iterated how this property will be a key segement of the Cypress Creek Greenway.  But, this is Houston, Texas, and money talks.  We will continue to try to get the county to poney up the money.

I went down there this morning and spoke to the loggers.  They were concerned about action by trail users.  I have thought about tying myself to a tree or a bulldozer, and calling the TV Stations, but although these things may be temporarily effective, they will probably end up being counter-productive.  The private land is clearly marked and you should not trespass on it. 

What would be helpful would be to contact your local MUD board president and your local HOA president and have them call the Commissioner's office and ask him to pressure the flood district to get onto the project and make a deal with the seller NOW.

I'll continue to update you all.

Kevin Highfield