KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A husband and wife opposing a proposed tree removal project in Kalamazoo County say they support roadway improvements, but strongly oppose what they describe as unnecessary clear-cutting along county roads.
The debate centers on a safety initiative under the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, which county officials say is aimed at reducing lane departure crashes through infrastructure changes such as rumble strips, updated pavement markings and improved signage.
But residents say one major part of the proposal, the removal of thousands of trees along rural roadways, goes too far.
- Previous Coverage: Crash data drives Kalamazoo County plan to clear some 8,000 trees over the next 5 years
The couple, who organized a petition and sent a letter to the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County, said they are not opposed to the broader safety effort, but want the tree removal portion removed or significantly reduced…