Commissioners Court join ‘Big Ross’ supporters




Commissioners Court unanimously voted to write a letter to the state requesting a designation to protect “Big Ross,” the giant oak tree at the intersection of FM 2504 and FM 476, from being cut down due to a TxDOT construction project. Pictured, from left, front row, are Commissioner Mark Gillespie (Pct. 1), Commissioner Stuart Knowlton (Pct. 2), County Judge Bob Hurley, Commissioner Eliseo Perez (Pct. 3) and Commissioner Kennard Riley (Pct. 4); back row, Big Ross supporters Olivia Olivares, Rosemary Dodd, Irma Sanchez, Virginia Olivares, Linda Reid, Katie Boggs and Janice Smith. REBECCA PESQUEDA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

Commissioners Court unanimously voted to write a letter to the state requesting a designation to protect “Big Ross,” the giant oak tree at the intersection of FM 2504 and FM 476, from being cut down due to a TxDOT construction project. Pictured, from left, front row, are Commissioner Mark Gillespie (Pct. 1), Commissioner Stuart Knowlton (Pct. 2), County Judge Bob Hurley, Commissioner Eliseo Perez (Pct. 3) and Commissioner Kennard Riley (Pct. 4); back row, Big Ross supporters Olivia Olivares, Rosemary Dodd, Irma Sanchez, Virginia Olivares, Linda Reid, Katie Boggs and Janice Smith. REBECCA PESQUEDA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

Rossville citizens experienced a huge win Thursday morning in their continued quest to save Big Ross, the huge oak tree that sits at the intersection of FM 476 and 2504. Big Ross supporters, including Olivia Olivares, Rosemary Dodd, Irma Sanchez, Virginia Olivares, Linda Reid, Katie Boggs and Janice Smith were all in attendance at Thursday’s meeting when Commissioners Court unanimously voted to write a letter to the State of Texas requesting a designation to protect not only Big Ross, but any old oak tree that might be harmed by TxDOT in Atascosa County.

“When a community comes together, great things can happen, and the fight to save Big Ross is a big example of that,” said Shayleigh Uribe. “The vote by Commissioners Court gives hope to our community that Big Ross will be standing tall for generations to come and also comfort to the rest of the county that other trees like Big Ross will also be protected.”

In addition to the letter, County Judge Bob Hurley encouraged Big Ross supporters to start a petition the county would support as well. Uribe began an online petition that same night, and in less than 24 hours, it gained 500 signatures. As of press time, the online petition has 1,124 signatures.

“Big Ross” sits at the intersection of FM 2504 and FM 476. COURTESY PHOTO

“Big Ross” sits at the intersection of FM 2504 and FM 476. COURTESY PHOTO

On Monday, Commissioner Knowlton informed Uribe that he spoke with the TxDOT engineer who said the tree removal is on hold as they plan a workaround.

“Nothing will happen to [Big Ross] until an arborist from Austin examines the tree,” said Knowlton.

The issue was first brought to attention two weeks ago when Rossville citizens questioned the orange cones surrounding Big Ross. On June 14, Commissioner Stuart Knowlton, Pct. 2, placed a message on his Facebook page and the Facebook page “What’s Up, Poteet?” administered by the much loved and respected Cleo Vargas, that stated, “Annoucement! I spoke with TxDOT representatives this morning regarding the construction at the intersection of FM 2504 and FM 476 at Rossville. This project is to create turning lanes. As a result, the plan is to remove the huge oak tree in the middle of the intersection. You may contact the local TxDOT office at 830- 569-2584.” Knowlton, who had spoken with TxDOT earlier, knew his constituents were not going to be happy with this decision. The project was set to begin the very next day.

With the support of Commissioner Knowlton and Rep. Ryan Guillen, the citizens’ pleas were successful as TxDOT agreed to conduct another environmental study to evaluate the historical significance of Big Ross. The tree is saved for now, but construction will continue to move forward.

“I understand that TxDOT has to do what they have to do. I just don’t think they understand how much this tree means to this community. It’s been a landmark for generations – our parents, our grandparents and so on,” said Irma Sanchez to Commissioners Court. “We’re not against progress … but we think there is a way around it so that they don’t tear this tree down.”

Uribe started a “Save Big Ross Oak Tree” Facebook page to collect as much historical information as possible on Big Ross. She urges people to please join the Facebook group and post information on any Big Ross history you may know.

For those who travel FM 2504 and FM 476 in Rossville the phrase, “Turn right at the ‘t’ by the big oak tree” is a familiar one. Although there is nothing officially designated, Big Ross is a well-known landmark – so much so that emergency care flights have marked the tree with GPS coordinates. Atascosa County Historical Commission Chairman Martin Gonzales is currently working with Rossville residents to see about designating Big Ross as an official historical landmark.

“Thank you so much to all of the Commissioners … for their support along with Judge Hurley. It was very encouraging to see them unanimously support our cause,” said Sanchez.

You can sign the online petition to save Big Ross by visiting chng. it/4GQgK25J.

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