12/15/2006

Group takes stand to save Leland tree

By Christine Finger

cfinger@record-eagle.com

LELAND — A group of concerned residents said they won't let Leland's landmark white poplar tree come down without a fight.

Leelanau County road commissioners voted 2 to 1 last week to cut down the sprawling poplar that has stood for more than a century on River Street. They cited numerous recent complaints from neighbors about large limbs falling from the tree, which stands about 100 feet high and overlooks Fishtown.

Commissioners said verbal consultations with foresters pointed out a weak spot about 40 feet up the tree where it could easily break apart.

Jim Carpenter, who lives on Main Street in Leland, said he wants to ensure all other solutions are considered before chopping the tree. He is among a group of residents leading a private fundraising campaign to pay for a comprehensive assessment by a tree expert.

"Our goal is simply to give the tree a fair trial,” he said. "If they say the tree is done, we'll accept that.”

Carpenter said the total cost for an expert hasn't been determined but the goal is to raise at least several thousand dollars.

The road commission's motion stated the tree would be removed in January, after completing steps necessary to clone it.

Leland Township board members on Monday unanimously approved a resolution supporting the group's efforts to get a professional report on the health of the tree.

Carpenter said members of the citizens group will attend the road commission's next meeting on Dec. 19 to provide more information about their plans. An account for donations has been established at Huntington Bank under the name Leland Champion Tree.