A ribbon can signify so much.

A pink ribbon often signifies support for the fight against breast cancer.

Also, there is the red ribbon for drug use prevention. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Web site, “Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of Americans during the last week of October every year.”

Yellow ribbons on people’s cars and other items represent support for deployed American service women and men and hope for their safe return.

Generally, people think positively about ribbons. But I know of some ribbons in Albert Lea of which I’m not so fond. Driving west along Hammer Road west of Bridge Avenue, you should notice some red ribbons tied around the trunks of trees, mostly spruce trees but some deciduous, also. These trees are on the property of Green Lea Golf Course, one of this town’s rock solid businesses, one of this community’s best gathering places year round, but especially in the summer months.

These ribbon-adorned trees are so marked for their impending removal. They are being removed or “topped” because of the airport expansion project. On Friday, Nov. 13, U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Mankato, stood on the old runway and talked about what a great use of stimulus dollars this project was, how it fits the qualifications because it’s “shovel ready.”

While the shovels have certainly been busy on the airport side of the road, I am curious when they plan to take down these ribbon-laden trees on the other side.

Full disclosure: I am an ardent golfer. I also coach the boys golf team, which plays out of Green Lea, and for the past couple summers I have worked with that course’s summer golf program for juniors.

I don’t think those admissions disqualify me from seeing this issue fairly. Admittedly, I am slightly more worried about the trees because of affect it has on the beauty and playability of the golf course than I am for conservation reasons. Although I do care about what’s best for the planet, and I highly doubt removing more trees is what’s best for the planet.

To be clear, I know the airport needs a new runway for, among other reasons, to meet the minimum runway distance for most corporate aircraft. Airport manager Jim Hanson, in a clever twist of phrase, told the Tribune “This will literally put Albert Lea on the map.”

And, yes, I understand those trees have to be removed — or “topped” — for safety regulations. And yes, in case the quote marks around topped have twice sufficiently alerted you, I do have issues with topping trees, but that’s for another time.

I just wonder when those trees are going to removed or topped. Spring will be here soon (OK, not soon enough). The golf course will be open for business shortly after the ground thaws. Is that when the city plans to remove them? Why weren’t they removed this fall when we didn’t have our first significant snowfall until Dec. 1?

I’ve watched Green Lea grounds superintendent Mike Carlson do magnificent things to that parcel of land to turn it into a fine golf course. I cannot imagine he’s too pleased about essentially all the trees on the north side of the course being removed. That will significantly change the landscape on Hammer Road and the playability of those two holes.

Yes, I understand those are minor infractions when such a weighty matter as airport expansion is at hand. That doesn’t mean everyone has to be happy about it.

According a 2006 Tribune story: “The city already owns sufficient land for the runway itself, according to City Engineer Steven Jahnke, but is now in the process of acquiring 1,000 feet of required clear space surrounding the runway. He said no homes will be impacted by the acquisitions.”

Correct, no homes impacted. Just one plucky, little golf course.

The ribbons, in this case, represent expansion and the future, a bright future. I’m sure, just on the other side of the road.

Albert Lea resident Riley Worth is a teacher at Albert Lea High School. He can be reached at rileyworth@gmail.com.