To the editor,
I just returned from Walkerton and continue to be saddened and angered at the butchery of trees and shrubs along the 10th Sideroad.
I understand that other roads in Brant have also suffered this attack. It looks like an ice storm or hurricane has passed over us. About six weeks ago, a large high hoe with a cutter attachment started travelling around Brockton and left behind damaged cedar, beech, pine and maple trees. It also chopped off elderberry, honeysuckle, lilac and other small shrubs that provide shelter and food for small wildlife and birds. Some of these may grow back but certainly not in time for this summer or next. We were not aware that this was a plan, but some people were home and able to stop this devastation. A call to the road supervisor maintained that the instructions to the crew were not to trim large trees. The problem is not only the damaging of so many beautiful areas but the branches, chopped trunks, etc. are left for the landowners to clean up. Many country owners cut their grass to the edge of the road and now have to deal with this mess.
It is strange that Hydro One can remove offending branches or other vines and the debris is cleanly removed. We planted and babied a few Scotch pine seedlings a few years ago and they were just starting to reach above the grasses. These were cut off right at ground level and will not revive.
The biggest concern is now for the walkers, bike and ATV riders, and cars that may veer off the roads. This cutting left one- and two-foot irregular spikes that can cause severe damage to humans and vehicles.
One way to make some restitution for this damage is to send a crew to cut the dangerous remains to the ground and clean up the resulting refuse.
Bev Cameron
Brant Township
