Since a plan to take down 5,000 trees in Erin along the trail way was announced in August, a local nature lover and member of the Tree Trust has expressed concerns.
It’s “really old school thinking,” says Executive Director of the Tree Trust Toni Ellis in reference to the 5,000 trees to be cut down in Erin and replaced with 20,000 new ones post-construction. The trees are to be cut down to permit underground a gravity sewer installation.
“Due to the open-cut construction method required for the installation of the gravity sewer along the Trail, the Town’s Contractor will have to remove trees and shrubs along the pipe alignment. Tree removals have been minimized to the greatest possible extent,” a Town of Erin Aug. 21 construction notice reads.
Ellis says she believes the newly-planted trees won’t have the same benefits as the ones being cut down.
“Tree planting is always the second choice to tree retention because it takes a lot to get a young tree growing to replace a big tree,” Ellis said.
“In fact, there are some interesting stats about how it takes at least 300 saplings to do the work of one big tree,” she added.
Tree Trust, per their website, “raise funds to hire arborists who keep the trees healthy and extend their lifespans through measures such as pruning, fertilizing and insect control.” The organization also states they plant at least two saplings for each Tree Trust tree.
Ellis says she imagines she’s not the only member of the community who has these worries, and believes the work could be done without any damage to the trees.
As construction begins next week, Ellis reminds of the many benefits keeping trees like these around have, especially for the earth.
“Protecting trees is the easiest thing to do. If we’ve got a standing tree, let’s save that tree, compared to putting in solar collectors or changing all our cars, or asking people to stop driving,” Ellis explained
“Honestly, protecting the trees we’ve got is a no brainer, when it’s at all possible,” she concluded.
Starting next week, construction will be Monday to Friday along the Elora Cataract Trail from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
