WAUWATOSA, Wis.– Approximately 100 newly planted trees were illegally removed from the Menomonee River Parkway in Wauwatosa.
According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office, a Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District volunteer reported the damage Wednesday afternoon, September 9.
The volunteer told deputies that she went to water the trees and noticed the saplings had been cut and pulled from the ground. She also said the wire fencing around the trees was destroyed and stacked to the side, along with the uprooted trees.
The cost of damage is estimated to be between $4,0000 and $6,000.
MCSO is investigating the unauthorized removal as criminal damage to property at the felony level.
The saplings were part of a restoration project between MMSD, Milwaukee Riverkeeper and Milwaukee County Parks.
According to Milwaukee County Parks, MMSD funded the project, and volunteers planted the trees.
“The removal of these trees undermines restoration efforts intended to improve habitat, strengthen the parkway’s natural areas and protect the long-term health of the Menomonee River corridor,” wrote Milwaukee County Parks and MMSD in a joint statement.
Anyone with information on the incident should contact MCSO.
