Removal of trees was wrongheaded

Once again, Dundee Township Supervisor Sue Harney has authorized the cutting down of many, many trees bordering Sleepy Hollow in, of all places, the Jelke's Creek Bird Sanctuary. As one resident put it, "Why would you take down trees if you're trying to attract and shelter birds?"

After the first debacle, Harney pledged restraint, supervision and full disclosure of plans for public scrutiny. She did appear before the Sleepy Hollow village board, which sadly and inexcusably neglected to insist that a detailed map of her intentions be given to our full environmental committee for input. Many trees might have been salvaged.

Harney says she met with homeowners and sent letters, but were people warned of probable repercussions to their views, their property values, their shade, their air pollution and, lest we forget, their visiting birds and wildlife?

Massacre No. 1 in Jelke's Creek Bird Sanctuary was on land bordering Sleepy Hollow Road. Hundred of trees, including mature oaks and black walnuts, were taken down. Supposedly, this was to create a gorgeous wetland panorama, but resulted in what looks to many like a barren field of puddles, a halfhearted trail with no shade, and the loss of countless birds.

According to the National Arbor Day Foundation, over 50 years one tree will generate $31,250 worth of oxygen, $62,000 worth of air pollution control and will recycle $37,500 worth of water. Multiplied by 200 (lost trees), environmental losses over 50 years come to $26 million. Double that to include Massacre No. 1.

Sleepy Hollow is a Tree City USA designated town. Our officials, residential environmental activists and township board members should have walked that property together, discussing what could be saved. It is outrageous that such precautions were overlooked.

Mona Auer

Sleepy Hollow