7/2/09 Status Report Attachment

                                                                                    July 2, 2009

Dear Resident:

BGE has contacted the City about removing trees in the area that runs along the western side of Route 197 from just south of the Old Route 450 to south of Lerner Lane adjacent to the Longridge community. 

Approximately 40 trees with a diameter greater than 8” will be removed as part of this project.  Also, additional trees that are less than 8” that are expected to grow into the power lines within the next four years will also be removed.  The trees with a diameter greater than 8”proposed to be removed are marked with a ribbon.  Because of the overgrowth in this area which makes it difficult to see these ribbons in some cases, stakes with ribbons have been placed in areas where it is difficult to see a tree marked with a ribbon.  The trees to be removed are either hazardous trees (dead or dying) or are trees that are prone to cause problems with power dependability.  Also, a considerable amount of bamboo is proposed to be removed just south of the intersection of Route 197 with Longridge Lane.  The Maryland Department of Natural Resources who has responsibility for street trees along state right-of-ways has reviewed this proposed action and has issued a permit to BGE for these removals. 

The removal of trees will not be uniform along Route 197 in this area.  There are many areas where the electric wire is well off of the roadway and therefore no tree removal or trimming will be required along Route 197.  The main impact of this tree removal will be in the areas where the electric wires run adjacent to Route 197.   Significant cutting and trimming will occur around the entry points into Longridge at Longridge Lane, Lyle Lane and at Lerner Place.  The tree removal and trimming in areas adjacent to electric wires and at entrances will significantly open up these areas from what currently exists.

The removal of this vegetation is necessary as part of the Bowie Electric Reliability Action Plan Improvements.  For residents whose property backs up to Route 197, these removals are in addition to the removal of trees on your property that BGE representatives have hopefully already spoken with you about.

It is anticipated that work will take place on or around July 21st.  City staff supports this proposed action.  We would encourage you to view the area along Route 197 and become familiar with the action that is being proposed in this area.  We would suggest you view this area from the safety of your vehicle while driving along Rt. 197 since it is dangerous to walk along this area due to the traffic and because there is a significant amount of poison ivy in this right-of-way.    

Should you have any questions about this proposed cutting, please contact Rick Kellner, the City of Bowie Forester at 240-216-1134 or myself at 301-805-3075.

Sincerely,

John Fitzwater
Assistant City Manager

                                                             

 

cc:        Bowie City Council
David J. Deutsch, City Manager
Rick Kellner, City of Bowie Forester
Chad Devine, BGE Forester