A resident of the New Constabulary neighbourhood in Marsh Lake is calling on the Yukon government to reconsider its plan to remove trees in the area.

Kim Walker arrived at her home on Easy Street on Monday evening to find about a dozen trees at the end of the road taped off, indicating they will be cut down.

Other residents are similarly concerned about seeing healthy trees chopped down, Walker said.

Speaking to a neighbour who had questioned the territory’s Department of Highways and Public Works staff earlier when they were flagging the trees, she learned they are planned to be removed to allow space for a snow dump in the winter.

Hers isn’t the only street in the neighbourhood where trees are slated to be cut this fall.

She argues the neighbourhood has a number of more vacant areas that could be used as snow dumps, thus saving the trees that have been standing for many decades.

While Walker said she understands removing trees that are dying or pose a risk in interfering with electrical lines, that’s not the case for any of the trees on her street.

“The trees on our street are healthy,” she said, questioning why there was no consultation with the community on the matter.

“Maybe we don’t need to cut the trees down,” Walker said.

Removing the trees, she noted, would take away from the beauty of living in a rural area, a big reason she and her husband live in the country.

The trees also act as protection from the wind as well as a sound barrier, and help provide privacy to residents, she argued.

In an email Tuesday to Kevin Boutilier, a foreman with the Department of Highways and Public Works, Walker said: “The trees on our street are a beautiful vibrant part of our community; they are healthy mature trees that have been standing some 80 to 90 years.”

She went on to argue residents should have a say in whether the trees are brought down.

“Our community members deserve the opportunity to voice concerns through proper consultation and be part of a sustainable solution.

“I am requesting that the removal of these trees cease until proper notification and consultation can be conducted with community members and a viable solution be reached.”

This morning, Walker said she received a response to her message from Boutilier stating a representative from the department will be on hand to speak about the planned tree clearing at the Marsh Lake local advisory council’s Sept. 10 meeting after information had been provided to the council this month.

Walker noted, however, it appears the work will go ahead regardless.

In his letter, Boutilier reiterated the reasons for the planned clearing, noting: “The limited snow storage is interfering with snow removal and negatively impacting the quality of service the maintenance branch is able to provide.

“Easy St. is not the only area that will be receiving this work. There are several other locations that will be undergoing tree removal for the same reasons.”

He noted the trees were flagged, so it was clear to residents as well as contractors, who may bid on the removal contract, “which trees are included in the project.”

Walker received a similar email from Highways and Public Works Minister Wade Istchenko’s office – after ccing her letter there as well – also citing the Sept. 10 local advisory council meeting so “residents will have an opportunity to discuss this before any trees are cleared.

“We wanted to give the residents an opportunity to discuss the project prior to moving ahead,” states the letter signed by Lila McConnell for Valerie Boxall, who is Istchenko’s executive assistant.

Walker said it’s good to learn a government representative will be on hand at the Sept. 10 meeting, though she hopes it goes beyond simply providing information on the plan and instead considers alternatives.

She said many of the neighbours she’s spoken to have also stated they don’t want to see healthy trees removed, though, like Walker, they don’t have an issue with trees being taken down if they’re posing a safety risk or dying.

Brittanee Stewart, a Highways and Public Works spokeswoman, said this morning the work is part of the annual brush clearing and maintenance done on roads throughout the territory to prepare for winter and ensure the roads are safe.

While the areas may differ each year, similar work happens throughout the territory to get ready for snow.

“This is a yearly occurrence,” she said.

It makes it easier not only for plow operators to dump snow and turn around, but also allows for better site lines for lcoal residents, she added.

There is not typically a consultation process, as it’s part of the “necessary” work that’s done annually throughout the territory.

She emphasized clearing only happens along the government roadways and only where it’s necessary.

Given the community’s concern, Stewart reiterated, a government official will be present at the Sept. 10 local advisory council meeting, which will be open to the public.

While many of the trees on Easy Street have been there for years without issue, Stewart said, with larger snowfalls, more room is needed now.

She also emphasized that trees marked for removal will be brought down only if deemed necessary.