Lawmaker takes issue with extensive tree-cutting along Route 8

Torrington Register Citizen

A local lawmaker is charging that the state Department of Transportation violated its own policy regarding highway maintenance when a long swath of pine trees in the Route 8 median between Torrington and Winsted were clear-cut.

State Sen. Kevin Witkos, R-8, after receiving many emails and calls from constituents, inspected the area and then contacted DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker seeking an explanation as to why the trees were cut in such an extreme fashion.

In a letter to Redeker dated Dec. 1, Witkos asked him to address “the expensive and seemingly unnecessary clearcutting of trees in Connecticut, particularly in my district in Torrington.” Redeker has not yet personally responded to the senator, but Wikos learned that the cost of the cutting was $112,000.

“It has recently been brought to my attention by many concerned constituents that excessive tree removal has taken place in the median on Route 8 in Torrington near the vicinity of exits 44-46,” Witkos wrote. “After hearing from multiple constituents, I visited the site myself. I was shocked by the extent of the complete annihilation of trees in the area.”

The extent of the tree removal, he said Friday, was a violation of the DOT’s own policy that states trees will be trimmed, pruned or removed if blocking the sightline, a condition not applicable in this situation, which proves DOT officials “overstepped their bounds.”

According to the DOT policies website, “The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is responsible for the maintenance of all state-owned roads and highways in Connecticut and it is the department’s primary mission to keep the infrastructure safe for motorists and efficient for the movement of people, goods and commerce. To this end, it is the department’s duty to prune, remove or trim dead, dying, decaying or otherwise compromised trees and vegetation in the state-owned right-of-way such as the shoulder area and center-median of highways, roadways and ramps.”

Witkos, however, said the trees were healthy, posed no threat to motorist safety and cited in his letter to Redeker Connecticut General Statute 13a-140, which says the commissioner may “cut, remove or prune any tree, shrub or other vegetation situated wholly or partially within the limits of any state highway so far as is reasonably necessary for safe and convenient travel thereon.”

“As far as I can tell, there was no reasonable necessity to completely remove the trees in the Route 8 median,” Witkos wrote. “I understand the importance of removing damaged or overgrown vegetation, but removing healthy vegetation that is not interfering with traffic raises serious questions about the ability of our state to protect our environment and the state’s ability to wisely prioritize spending.”

Instead of addressing Witkos’ concerns personally, Redeker’ staff directed the senator to a foreman in the DOT garage.

“I can’t believe I’m being summarily dismissed like this,” Witkos said. “This cannot continue. If I have to sit there and block them with my car, I will. Maybe that response will get his (Redeker’s) attention.”

Witkos said he is hoping to be able to find a solution, including the replanting of the trees that were removed, but the devastation of the pine trees represents many years of growth.

“I’ve never seen cutting to that extent in a median,” he noted. “Trees grow back, but it takes decades.”

Redeker has not returned messages from The Register Citizen seeking comment for this story.