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Worried residents turned out one step ahead of a tree-cutting crew in an attempt to save one of the ancient  'majestic' elms slated for destruction by the provincial government on Thursday afternoon.

They have sent appeals to the Premier's office, MPP and Minister of Rural Affairs, Carol Mitchell and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to try to put a halt to what they feel is 'senseless eradication'.

Many of the residents, in the Bluewater Municipality in Huron County, have had the trees on their farmland for several generations and, as rural people, have suggested practical environmental solutions to the apparent 'problems' posed by the MTO and which has, to date, not appeared to be listening.

Martin Favell, Head of Planning & Design for the MTO Western Region, has also been contacted in attempt to get a meeting/consultation between the MTO and the residents.

Tree Cutters have moved their way along the highway

At the '11th hour' the tree cutting has been put on temporary hold, although at least three trees have been lost.

MPP Carol Mitchell, in whose riding the trees are, has, from all accounts waded into the situation in an attempt to sort it out.

The residents are asking for a public meeting to be held but, if the government prepares to move ahead, the residents, in turn, are prepared to chain themselves to the trees.

Bonnie Sitter, one of the organizers to save the trees, says it is amazing that this year, 2011, is the "Year of the Tree" in Bluewater Municipality, which is where the trees in question are.

(L)Dianne Waun and Bonnie Sitter are prepared to be chained to the trees

Not only is the Year of Tree, the Ontario Government has also embarked on a major tree-planting initiative as part of the 'greening of Ontario'.

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Thursday, March 17, 2011