This article on tree protection was first published Wednesday, March 29, 2017 in the Niagara Advance…
When Coun. Betty Disero wanted town staff to look into the clear-cutting of trees on a John Street property, which elicited “frantic” calls and emails from neighbours, she couldn’t get the support she needed from her fellow councillors.
But she’s not giving up, and she’s not alone.
Niagara-on-the-Lake real estate broker Tom Elltoft began asking questions when he first heard the chain saws, and wants to know why clear-cutting was allowed when it appears to contravene the good forestry practice in Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority policies. The NPCA is charged with administering regional tree bylaws, and issued the permit for John Street. Elltoft and Disero believe trees were removed that were not covered by the permit.