Trees marked with 'C' to be removed

Following complaints from residents about felling trees, the Town of Amherst appointed an independent arborist, Bill Snyder, to reevaluate the 8,000 damaged trees.

With 1,063 trees already removed, which were in the severe to high risk category, the town moved to remove those that would not survive.

Snyder has identified 1,200 trees with heartwood damage.

"We have consulted experts and they have told us that, even though it appears that there is new/healthy growth, it is highly unlikely that these trees will survive more than one year," said Supervisor Satish Mohan.

The program of felling these trees, with heartwood damage, was started last Friday. To date close to 300 trees have been removed.

The Town has informed the residents that all the trees that are going to be removed have been marked with the letter "C" in green paint.

To make sure that there are no mistakes, Snyder will reevaluate each of these trees and put an additional marking.

Residents who detect any mistakes or if they have any questions and concerns can call, Bob Anderson, highway superintendent or the Forestry Division, at 631-7117. He can also be reached at Randerson@ amherst. ny. us.

The supervisor's office can be reached by calling 631-7032 or e-mailing Smohan@ amherst. ny. us.

"We are currently discussing what to do about the remaining trees. I want to reassure everyone that any further felling program will not be guided by the fact that we will not be getting FEMA money after Oct. 24th. The focus is that all trees that have risk of falling down and injuring residents should be felled," Mohan said.