We Need to Take Action

Con Ed has senselessly cut down thousands and thousands of trees for so-called maintenance of the transmission lines. They have cut down trees that are nowhere near the high voltage lines and are much further away from them than many homes and trees on private properties. In some areas, the trees were far downhill from the lines. Con Edison has turned beautiful, tree-lined streets into desolate roadways from which miles of power lines can be seen.

Why the sudden destruction of our local natural environments? Con Edison has changed their maintenance policy. Until this year the policy was "tender trimming," under which they carefully planned and trimmed only what was necessary to prevent dangerous conditions with the power lines. Recently, they have adopted the "20 year maintenance plan," under which they are clear cutting their Right of Ways, and in 20 years will repeat the process. Clear cut, repeat, clear cut, repeat. This overly aggressive form of maintenance is being carried out on protected woodlands and wetlands simply because it's being done by Con Ed.

This method of maintenance has a huge impact on the environment, as well on the residents of areas that have power transmission lines running through them. Gone are the beauty of the greenery, the noise & pollution barrier, the wildlife, the privacy of the woodlands. For those closest to the areas that have been cut, the quality of life has been drastcially reduced and cannot be recovered in the forseeable future. The property values have gone down; homes that were lined by woods are now sitting on highways and/or are open to view by others.