I am a Virgina Master Naturalists and I have been reading and learning about the value of trees.  The service benefits are numerous and they can provide stability and prevent erosion along lands that border our rivers and streams and The Chesapeake Bay.  They filter and remove pollutants from storm water which has been a big source of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment that enter our waterways in run-off.  Trees can offset this environmental damage.  Because they protect and preserve the lands in the RPA, adding language to prohibit removal of large trees and allowing positive credits for adding trees and shrubs in the RPA will be beneficial changes.