100 Menomonee River Parkway trees removed without authorization

WAUWATOSA, Wis. - Milwaukee County Parks said approximately 100 newly planted trees were removed from a restoration project site without authorization. Here's what we know.  

Trees removed from parkway

What we know:

The trees were planted along the Menomonee River Parkway, near Concordia Avenue in Wauwatosa, and the parks department said the unauthorized removal was reported to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

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Peter Bratt, Milwaukee County Parks director of operations, said someone cut down the trees and left them and the protective cages that had been around them in a pile. The estimated value of the removed trees, and the resulting damage, is estimated at between $4,000 and $6,000.

"We have 153 parks covering 15,000 acres all through Milwaukee County, so we have strange things happening, but this is a first, and it's sad, too," Bratt said.

What we don't know:

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office is investigating the matter as criminal damage to property, a felony. Because the investigation is ongoing, it's still not clear why the trees were cut down or if any arrests will be made.

River corridor restoration

The backstory:

Milwaukee County Parks said the trees were planted as part of a restoration project partnership with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District and Milwaukee Riverkeeper. MMSD funded the project, which aims to help with flood prevention.

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The parks department said the tree removal undermines efforts to improve habitat, strengthen natural areas and protect the long-term health of the Menomonee River corridor. 

"I mean the fall is the best time for trees to mature and develop their root system, so we're going to have to go back to the drawing board and wait until next spring and fall," said Bratt.

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