Christian sent a message to Roger S. Penske – Chairman of the Board and CEO of Penske Corporation – Email Address that said:
Dear Mr. Penske,
I approach you today to inform you of an Environmental issue I feel you personally will find very interesting and potentially rewarding. I appreciate the positive role you are here in Detroit, which is why I approach you now. I only ask to impose on your eyes and ears for a brief amount of your time.
The presentation I would like to present to you will clearly show you my qualifications, motivations and a reflection of my character. I am not just “some guy” that thinks he has a good idea. Instead, made a difference, set an example, and was brought to a halt by the 2008 recession. To this day this particular environmental issue has not been addressed as I aggressively started to do since 2002. Yet I know what is out there, what can be done with it, and how to do it on the scale this desperately needs to be addressed.
The utilization of Urban Forest Logs and the statistics that this represents is extremely significant. I only ask of you to take the time and realize the enormous potential this has. I truly appreciate your personal motivations regarding our environment and I hope to inspire you to help me make this more of a reality we can all share by re-claiming this natural resource.
By sponsoring this project, the equipment needed to recover the higher value in Urban trees removed would be acquired. Making better use of the natural resource many see as useless, would be achieved. The recovered wood used for projects like Belle Isle (pilot project), City, County and State Parks, Historical Societies, Habitat for Humanity and much more. Further more providing Educational programs for those not bound for College. Perhaps even inspire and rethink the possibilities of expanding their education, ie: Forestry. Provide the material needed for projects that many Veterans Groups could take part in. The Penske name clearly and proudly displayed, demonstrating the care you have for our environment. Also proving you appreciate and understand the issue, and are willing to step up and sponsor a very positive project. What I am talking about can be summed up in a few simple words: environmental, economical, positive impact in every county that surrounds you. Costs reduced and goals achieved.
I have personally met with State Senator Tom Casperson who is also the Committee Chair with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Senator Casperson along with Senator Green ( committee chair outdoor and travel) and Senator Henson (committee chair outdoor and travel) have all viewed this material and are excited to see this become a major positive factor in Michigan. Letters of recommendation from the Senators clearly exhibit this. We ALL know Michigan could use some “good news” right now. You could help be the provider of just such good news.
Once again, since 2002 my goal was and is to make Michigan the leader in the Utilization of Urban Forest Logs. This Natural Resource is abundant and has been neglected for far to long. Many do not understand the potential or simply do not care. I have seen and done many projects that myself and crew were extremely proud of. All of us knowing we only touched the “tip of the iceberg” with the possibilities, even after having milled, re-claimed, over 500,000 bf (board feet) of lumber. Because of my involvement, many respectable professionals cheered my innovative approach. From the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan State Extension and the Southeast Michigan Resource Conservation and Development. I was the example for all to prove the positive impact of using the Natural Resource that is right in our own back yards. The State of Michigan presented us with the “Michigan White Pine Award” for Environmental Excellence, which reinforced my passion to succeed and continue to set an example.
I am confident in saying that after you view the five (5) minute DVD and choose to review the binder of information, you will recognize the positive impact and potential of this project. The statistics are staggering in regard to currant practice. The ability to have a profound impact, equally staggering.
I will look forward to meeting you and answering any questions and providing any contact information. The contacts I will provide will reinforce my claims and help to further inspire you to help be a part of something we can all share here in Michigan.
I saw a t-shirt in the window of the gift shop that said “ DREAM BIG....don't quit” These words describe exactly how I feel about this project and who I am.
With Respect,
Christian
