Musings: A cease-fire in Town of Oyster Bay's war on trees
An orange dot on the curb had indicated this tree in front of letter writer Lynn Dakss' house in Syosset was to be removed by the town. The town said a mistake had been made. Credit: Lynn Dakss
One week ago in this space, I wrote about Nassau County reviving its war on trees with excessive removal of them on county streets, including mine. I received immediate feedback.
First, I was called by a Suffolk County resident seeking advice on what to do about tree removal in her own town. Then, a WCBS-TV reporter also reached out the same day the letter was published. The reporter, who had done pieces on STOMP — Save Trees Over More Pavement — nine years ago, asked me for an interview.
After I agreed, the reporter quickly contacted the Town of Oyster Bay to confirm my letter’s details. She then called me back with unexpected news: The town told her that the trees in question would not be removed after all. What?!
I was confused because I had made several phone calls to town and county officials the previous week without response.
So, then, also the same day my letter was printed, I received a call from Oyster Bay Town spokesman Brian Nevin. He informed me that Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said marking the 70 trees for removal was “was a mistake by the private contractors” planning new curbs. How about that!
And that’s not all. I was also told that the dreaded orange dots spray-painted at the foot of the targeted mature, curbside trees would be “power-washed off the curbs.” Targets no more!
Residents have been concerned all along that we have no voice. These sudden “projects” are thrust upon us with no input or time to react or organize. This seems to indicate that county and town officials don’t know or care about what their constituents are passionate about, especially trees.
One doesn’t have to be an environmentalist to know that trees offer a lot more than shade. They also provide beauty, climate benefits, increased property values and homes for wildlife.
I find it disturbing that, in this time of climate change, the preservation and planting of trees apparently has not been on the minds of local officials. Gov. Kathy Hochul has made it a goal to plant 25 million trees by 2033 under the state Climate Act. To that end, preserving mature trees should be a priority for Long Island’s elected officials.
— Lynn Dakss, Syosset
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