Disgusting, Senseless Vandalism

This is awful! Please help spread the word. And if you know something…say something!

Sustainable Springfield
September 2, 2024

We want to report an attack & destruction of close to 100 trees at Lake Park (near Henson Robinson Zoo), Sunset Park, and East Lake Lane, Springfield. The attack happened Friday night/Saturday morning, (August 30-31, 2024), between 10:30 p.m. & 8:30 a.m. The trees included White Oak, Red Oak, Hickory, Pecan, Walnut, Butternut, Maple, and Persimmon, among others. The trees ranged in height from 2 to 15+ feet. All were of relatively small caliper and appeared to have been cut with a lopper, as there is no saw dust. Police Officer M. Dowis, badge number 739, took a report as case number S-24-71182.

I am asking for suggestions and support, seeking justice. I went to the parks and took photos of 13 saplings cut near Henson Robinson and 58 trees cut at East Lake Lane. Five trees were cut at Sunset Park. (I may have missed some.). The scenes are devastating.

The trees were purchased, planted, staked, mulched, watered, and sheltered by volunteers over several years. Lake Services had mowed the areas most recently on Friday.

I and those who cared for the trees are stunned, saddened and in disbelief of this senseless act of terror.

Damaging City property is a criminal offense. Harming City trees is a violation of the City’s Tree Protection Ordinance. The loss of the trees represents thousands of dollars of damage to our (City) property. This is without mentioning the hundreds of dollars and hours of effort expended by volunteers. The damage is irreparable; even if new trees are planted, we have lost years of tree growth & benefits.

To my knowledge, there are no witnesses. Please share this information broadly in the hopes of identifying the criminal(s) and bringing them to justice.

Sincerely,

Jan Von Qualen

Chair

Springfield Urban Forestry Commission