(Chelsea Update would like to thank Greg Johnson for the information in this story.)
Residents in opposition to the Washtenaw County Road Commission plan to cut down old growth trees as part of the planned Werkner Road project have started a GoFundMe page (https://gofund.me/9139aa4d8) to help with the costs of fighting this project.
Although the plan has been revised, 42 trees are still scheduled to be removed to widen the road.
The GoFund Me explanation states: “Despite the significance of these trees, the commission has refused to conduct an environmental analysis. Although they state that the purpose of the widening is for safety, they have not conducted a comparative safety analysis. We believe it is irresponsible to impact the environment so significantly without any supporting analysis of the impact or benefits. In response, our group has filed a lawsuit under the Michigan Environmental Protection Act (MEPA) to demand accountability and protect these irreplaceable trees.”
According to Sylvan Township resident Greg Johnson, one of the group’s members, “We have started a GoFundMe page to help us with our legal costs. Our group has filed a lawsuit and we’ve hired an environmental attorney. “
Residents are seeking help to keep the rural character of this Sylvan Township country road. “These old growth trees simply cannot be replaced and they support wildlife/birds/bats in addition to water absorption that prevents drainage issues,” he said in an email.
Johnson wrote, this project is being paid for with voter approved millage funds. “When I voted for this millage, I did not know I was also supporting tree removal of old growth trees,” he wrote.
The group is in favor of repaving the road but they don’t want it widened at the expense of the trees.
“Save the trees now and for future generations,” he said in the email.
