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Coleen Perilloux Landry | all galleries >> Galleries >> Live Oaks > Old Dickory and Coleen
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Old Dickory and Coleen

Jefferson, Louisiana

SEE THE RED X ON THIS TREE.
This magnificent, ancient live oak was slated for death on all sides. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development had plans to build a road right through it. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers had plans to put a drainage system and a developer had plans to build a subdivision. I had plans to save it.
I took my case directly to the Governor of Louisiana, Governor Mike Foster. The results were---the DOTD revised their plans to go around the tree; the Corps of Engineers revised their plans to develop a better system so as not to hurt the tree and the developer built his subdivision with zoning approval provided he donated the land Old Dickory lives on to public domain. This is probably the only battle I shall ever win against the Corps of Engineers.
All of this came together within six months, the fastest time and most cooperation I have ever seen among government bodies and private citizens.
Because of the case of Old Dickory, the Louisiana DOTD has developed a plan to carefully study an area before they draw up engineering plans so as not to harm historical trees.


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Coleen Perilloux Landry27-May-2023 21:46
This tree is on Dickory, get to it from the 700 block of Hickory.
Guest 27-May-2023 19:10
I feel I should know, but don't...Where is this tree?? In Jefferson, LA?
Guest 26-Jun-2015 20:15
Colleen, your artwork showing God's artwork is amazing, thank you
EmmaRose 25-Mar-2009 19:39
You are my hero. That`s such a beauty of a tree, I nearly cried when I saw the X. But then of course I read your story. Thank you so much.
JW26-May-2007 18:35
Wow! I hadn't realised this before. Good for you, Coleen. Trees, especially old trees are so important. Well done
Fernando Salas 07-Apr-2006 02:44
This picture means a lot Coleen. It shows to me your strong relation with your heritage, with old, beautiful Louisiana. But most of all it shows your stature, your generous spirit. The old, thankful giant seems to open his arms to hug you.
carol j. phipps01-Apr-2006 14:04
Bravo! Way to go Colleen! Thank Heaven for your love and determination to save the ancient tree. They are a wonder and you.
Guest 01-Apr-2006 05:39
You are amazing Coleen. What a wonderful story of sucess. I can see the x's on the trunk(s). I know you will save this tree again, that gift was given to you from the one above.
Gary Winters01-Apr-2006 03:33
So you CAN fight city hall, huh? Way to go! What a fantastic tree.
CJ Burianek01-Apr-2006 03:32
Congratulations Coleen! It was great you managed to save this amazing tree!
Bryan Ramsay01-Apr-2006 02:56
Well done, Great old oak. -BJ
petesie01-Apr-2006 02:45
If the oak could talk it would have a big thank you....and a chuckle to the Corps....don't mess with our Coleen! Good for you. Well done.
Guest 01-Apr-2006 01:59
Bravo!
Guest 01-Apr-2006 01:35
Bravo, Coleen
royalld01-Apr-2006 01:25
Outstanding work.
Now both you and Old Dickory both stand tall.
Who was it that said, "One can be a very great number"?
Cindy Flood01-Apr-2006 00:54
Way to go Coleen. What a worthwhile project.
s_barbour01-Apr-2006 00:50
Wow...good for you Coleen, this Oak is gorgeous. I can't say that I ever remember seeing a tree of this enormity before. Wonderful work!!
Pic Chick31-Mar-2006 23:24
Way to go Coleen! Thank heavens for people like you who make the effort to save what they believe in, and for the right reasons. I wish there were more people like. Good job...
dehphoto31-Mar-2006 22:58
Damn good job!! Or as the younger folks say, "You go, girl!! What an awsome old oak.

David Holcomb
Robin Reid31-Mar-2006 22:43
What a wonderful victory, and hearty congrats to you for your efforts and persistence.