Fate of Biloxi Oak Trees Still Up in the Air

The majestic oak trees that line the Mississippi Gulf Coast have long been considered to be an icon and a source of our identity. Over the last decade, the Coast has lost hundreds of these trees to Hurricane Katrina and development, but Tuesday’s city workshop will help redefine the tree ordinance as Biloxi continues to grow.

Trees will be the talk of the town Tuesday as the Biloxi Planning Commission works to revise the tree ordinance to protect the majestic oaks, but not at the cost of progress within the city. The Hyatt Hotel is the latest site of development where oaks are in question. The city says that many of the oaks on the property are diseased or damaged, and the developer has continuously worked with the city to work around the live majestic trees. City officials say that the tree ordinance works, but may need done revisions.

Jerry Creel, Community Development Director for Biloxi, says, “We do have to balance economic growth, and in those cases where trees have to be removed the ordnance is being enforced so the developer will have to provide replacement trees.”

The trees don’t have voices of their own, but many residents are expected at Tuesday’s meeting to show their support