Letter: She laments removal of trees along 490th Street

TO THE EDITOR:

I am writing to ask if anyone has driven down 490th Street east of Lawton lately? If so, have you seen the mass destruction?

I understand the need to keep the roadsides clean and clear for drivers’ safety. But what mass destruction has befallen on this lovely stretch of road. Huge maples, oaks, pine, hickories and other beautiful trees just sawed down.

I read everywhere “plant a tree” to save our planet. I have been told three different stories, by three different board members. One was for county liability if someone should hit a tree. What about the narrow, rusty railed bridge on our road?

We built here two years ago for the beauty of this area. Wow, I now look out my window and weep. I begged to leave a gorgeous basswood (27 feet in) by the edge of our yard. Nope, but they did leave me a small oak “for show.” Every single tree even 30 feet from the road “had to go”...come on.

Why couldn’t they leave some in front of private homes, say 25-30 feet from the road? I was even told by one board member they would, along in front of our property. Took every single one. Anything in the 33 foot right of way. Then there is this dilapidated bridge, not to mention our road isn’t even gravel, it is mud, holes and dust...a convenient shortcut raceway to many.

We believe they have depreciated the value of our home for certain. Of course, come tax time they will not agree.

Now will come the removal, soon hopefully, of all the ugly stumps. (Each stump has a price.) This will cost, I dare not even think of how much. Whose pockets will get lined from this project?

Nancy Marsh Rabine

Beldenville

Tags: 490th street, opinion, tree, destruction