Judge rules on tree dispute
CHARLEVOIX CO. -- A local golf course's battle to save several of its trees from being cut down went to court today.
DTE Energy told the owners of Boyne Rapids Adventure Golf that several trees near an underground pipeline would need to be cut down as a safety precaution.
7&4's Lauren Amstutz was in court and has the latest on the judge's ruling.
DTE Energy Regional Manager Steve Rawlings says,"There is an increased scrutiny on pipeline safety and integrity management, DTE Energy takes that seriously."
These are the trees in question, trees that the energy company says are too close to an underground pipeline and could possibly cause an explosion. The golf course disagrees and went to court today to protect their investment.
Boyne Rapids Adventure Golf Owner, Brian Williams says, "Our attorney did a lot of research, a lot of things in our favor."
In the courtroom, William's attorney argued the birch tree roots aren't deep enough to impact the pipeline, but DTE fought back saying the Federal Government mandates all trees to be at least 15 feet away. After a long battle, the judge sided with the energy company.
Rawlings says, "Public safety is paramount, it trumps all things and that's not taking away from these beautiful trees."
DTE Energy hasn't set a date yet to cut down the trees, in the meantime the golf course says it will continue all legal means possible to stop it.
