Five elm trees, originally identified for removal by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) as part of a highway upgrading project, will be saved from the axe! The trees are located on the east side of Highway 4 between Kippen and Clinton.

"I'm delighted that the Ministry has seen fit to reprieve the elm trees." said Carol Mitchell, MPP Huron-Bruce. "Their grandeur represents more than a lifetime of growth and is a testament to survival and strength. Occasionally we may see a lone elm but to find five within a short stretch of highway is remarkable."

Carol added that last Friday she had an opportunity to speak with a number of local residents in a meeting beneath the largest of the trees. She is pleased that MTO has listened to community concerns.

In view of the public concerns and the impacts of Dutch Elm disease on elm trees in Ontario, the five elm trees will not be removed as part of the 2011 construction contract. Later this summer Ministry staff will work with the University of Guelph on an assessment of the elms as to their health, type and condition.