Maple Street Trees Threatened
Northeast Utilities reports that they expect to cut 2 miles of Maple Street’s ancient Maple trees. So far, only 0.4 miles have been cut down or trimmed by their contractor. So the damage we see, including several trees cut to the ground, has just begun.
Kathy Gibson, CLP Arborist and Project Manager [telephone (860) 665 6121 ] has agreed to review her determination that certain trees have to be removed, but seems intent on proceeding as planned. While the trees have much dead wood, when I asked her how long even those particular trees would live , she replied “20 years”.
She says that she has the consent of the Litchfield Tree Warden, Jim Koser, to do the work, though an abutting owner can refuse permision to cut the trees, subject to review by the Tree Warden.
By the logic of Northeast Utilities, every tree along their line would be cut to the ground in the name of reliability. And Maple Street, named after the stately trees, would no longer be “Maple” Street. Judicious pruning of dead material is the clear alternative here. And Northeast should be thinking long-term about putting the vulnerable power line underground, or at least replacing the old power line along another street without such important trees.
Please give the town Selectmen a phone call if you care about this issue, and regester your concern with Norteast Utilities before it is too late. These trees are over two generations old and cannot be replaced. And please tell your friends and neighbors.
Thanks.
