12/06/2006

Historic tree to be chopped down

Neighbors say limbs are problem

By Christine Finger

cfinger@record-eagle.com

Record-Eagle/Douglas Tesner
The Leelanau County Road Commission will cut down the landmark white poplar tree along River Street in Leland because of concerns about falling limbs. The tree stands about 100 feet tall and has a circumference of about 20 feet.

LELAND — Leelanau County road commissioners plan to cut down a sprawling white poplar tree in the heart of Leland, arguing that safety trumps sentimental value.

Herb Cradduck, superintendent-manager for the road commission, said he recently received numerous complaints from neighbors about limbs falling from the tree on River Street overlooking Fishtown. The poplar, more than a century old, stands about 100 feet high and has a trunk measuring about 20 feet around.

"It gets all the winds off of Lake Michigan,” he said. "It's been losing limbs all along and lately there's been bigger limbs. The surrounding owners just think it's time for the tree to come down.”

Commissioners on Tuesday heard from those concerned business owners, as well as many other residents who countered that the tree is the heart of the tourist village.

Michael Collins, owner of the Americana Collection of Leland on River Street, said customers often stop outside his door to observe the landmark tree. But he said he's worried about the safety of the people and buildings below.

"We'd hate to see it go,” he said. "We've got to make it safe one way or the other.”

Cris Telgard, who lives on Main Street in Leland, urged the road commission to consider less drastic options.

"Don't sacrifice this tree on the altar of 'what if,'” he said. "It deserves going the extra mile.”

The road commission voted 2-1 to remove the tree in January, after completing steps necessary to clone it.

Commissioner Lee Bowen said he supported leaving the tree standing until he spoke with several tree experts who pointed out a weak spot about 40 feet up the tree where it could easily break apart.

"The question comes down to not if something is going to happen, but when it's going to happen,” Bowen said. "Is it a historical tree or a historical building?”

Commissioner Glen Noonan also voted to remove the tree before it causes an accident for which the road commission would be liable.

"It's not a responsibility I take lightly,” he said.

Commissioner John Popa said he wanted to wait until spring to cut the tree, giving concerned residents a chance to help find another solution that might not involve removal.