BERMUDA will lose its endemic trees forever unless proper measures are taken for their preservation, a local conservation enthusiast has warned.

Although preservation orders are in place for some local species, no such protection has been given to old-growth trees - those which survived the blight of the early 1970s - or Bermuda cedars, according to Andre Hubbard.

A cabinet-maker by trade, Mr. Hubbard is also a member of the Bermuda National Trust and, as such, has a strong interest in the preservation and conservation of the environment.

"I would love to see some sort of policy or some sort of preservation order that can be implemented with reference to specific endemic species to Bermuda, but also with reference to, what we would call old-growth trees.

"There are those species which actually have preservation orders on them, but old-growth trees and Bermuda cedars (don't). There's no specific legislation and cedar is only one of many that grow here that need it.

"So what I'm pushing for right now is a look at some sort of legislation to preserve the trees. They are representative of our past. Although some people see them as merely inanimate things, it's amazing the stories they each tell.

"We should be saying, 'Okay, let's preserve the integrity of what (that tree) once stood for and use it in another form rather than disposing of it'."

Any number of species of trees could benefit from such an order, Mr. Hubbard added, if for no other reason than the fact they were valuable resources.

"Mahogony grew very readily here for the longest period of time but it was never pushed. It's a sustainable resource. We don't have a lot of space here but we can actually produce certain resources that we can use and sustain.

"It would be nice to slow down the arbitrary hacking slashing of trees and foliage. I don't need to kill (the Department of Works & Engineering), but (cutting down the poinciana on Serpentine Road) was reckless.

"We can exist in harmony with these different things. They used reckless hacking, instead of careful pruning to maintain the integrity of the tree."

When contacted yesterday, Permanent Secretary for the Environment Brian Rowlinson said Government was looking at the problem as part of its commitment to bio-diversity. "The Ministry is in the process of preparing legislation to protect threatened species, particularly terrestrial species which have tended to be neglected. There are pros and cons in applying a blanket protection order for a specific species of tree. It is an area that will have to be carefully looked at. One area we are concerned about is the theft of cedar trees from parks and it's an issue that we are continuing to look at in co-operation Government Cnservation Oficer Jeremy Madeiros."

Mr. Hubbard is to present a lecture this weekend, The Conservation and Care of Fine Furniture in Our Difficult Climate, as part of an ongoing lecture series developed by the Bermuda National Trust at Verdmont Museuem in Smith's between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets, at $35, may be purchased in advance at the Trust or at the door on the day of the event.