I don’t think anyone can have missed the roadside destruction made by Green Mountain Power in the past few months. This is hardly worthy of our primarily residential town. I realize that we need to keep our power lines free of trees and other obstructions, but there must be a better way. Oddly enough I have a suggestion.
Most of that property is not owned by Green Mountain Power. The surrounding homeowners have granted easements to GMP for keeping them supplied with electricity at a minimum of disruption. Now that we have torn up all that land, why not start a program to plant that space with decorative or useful plants that won’t grow tall enough to affect the power lies. You could plant raspberries, dwarf apples, lilacs or bidal wreath. Perhaps a little forsythia or some azaleas would brighten up the landscape. The nice thing about that is that once done, it will not have to be repeated. GMP could save a lot of money spent with Davey Tree for many years to come. We might even get some good raspberries, peaches or grapes from the deal. If the planting is thorough, tall trees will not be able to seed themselves and grow there. If we are harvesting fruits or berries or cutting flowers for your home, pulling up maple tree sprouts will not be that difficult. Individual homeowners would plant their own plants there, but they might well be coordinated by our beautification committee. GMP might even want to help.
This is not such a wild idea. Thirty years ago I noticed in Holland that many divided highways grew agricultural crops in the center strips. I believe they were leased to local farmers who tended the crops. Not a bad idea!
Jerry Gorman
Wilmington
Also, I think it's a shame that wood cut up by the crews is not made available to folks who would like to save on heating costs next winter. Of course, the property owner gets first dibs but if they say they don't want it it shouldn't be allowed to just rot.