To the Editor:

In the face of climate change, extreme clear-cutting of trees along our roadways is unconscionable. Yes, we want to ensure that storms don’t leave us in the cold but Eversource’s tree cutting is just too extreme.

It appears that Eversource is trying to make up for decades of inadequate maintenance by removing trees ridiculously distant from power lines in an attempt to save on future maintenance costs. But this is at our expense. The cutting on Plumtrees, Great Hill and Castle Hill roads is well beyond the reach of a broken limb threatening power lines.

Not only are there many environmental benefits of road trees but they also provide scenic beauty and enhance the natural character of our town, the very reason many of us chose to live here. Some may argue that Connecticut has plenty of trees but it is our road trees that are some of the oldest and largest, having received more light with less competition than forest trees.

It will take decades to replace them. Invasive plants, having competitive advantage, will likely fill in these cleared areas. Just what we need, more invasives.

Property owners should know that the power company must notify you of proposed cutting. It is a property owner’s right to challenge any proposed tree cutting but if they don’t hear from you, they will likely proceed.

Holly Kocet

Newtown

(Editor’s Note: Following The Newtown Bee’s inquiry to Eversource, we were informed on the record that permission was granted by property owners for tree cutting along these roads.)