Resident attempts to save oak tree
BY TOYNETT HALL
Staff Writer

HOWELL - There is an oak tree on Squankum-Yellowbrook Road that has lived for more than 200 years. The tree has endured countless ice storms, nor'easters, and bustling residential growth in the community.

For Bobbi Sue Bowers, the stately tree represents a historic landmark that not only enhances Howell's scenic rural character, but serves as a buffer between her front yard and oncoming traffic.

According to Howell's certified tree expert Zig Panek, there are only 12 other oak trees like this one in the municipality.

Nevertheless, residents say this rare natural resource could be in danger of being cut down by Monmouth County in order to complete road improvements along the street, which is also known as Route 524A.

According to Monmouth County spokesman William Heine, there have been plans in place to widen Route 524A for some time.

In 2004 there was an immediate need to address a flooding problem which occurred near West Farms Road at a point beyond the tree. To alleviate the problem, drainage pipes were installed to allow water to flow into the Manasquan River, he said.

Now, apparently, the idea to widen the road has resurfaced.

Bowers, who has lived in her home for 11 years, said cutting down the tree to widen the road is a bad idea.

"I do not want the tree to be cut down. If that happens, I will be left with a very minimal front yard. The tree is a barrier between us and the road. Cutting down the tree to widen the road will only make people drive faster," Bowers said.

According to Bowers, the centuries-old tree is important to all of Howell. She said its destruction would be a loss for the community.

Panek said, "This tree adds so much to the landscape of the town. It is a rare thing to have and there is no need to remove it. Because there are so few of them, we really need to preserve it so other generations can enjoy it. This tree is irreplaceable. It has such a strong visual impact. It creates oxygen, holds soil and provides shade. One or two trees cannot do the work that this one tree is doing for that area."

Heine said no decision has been made in regard to the oak tree. He said plans for the road work have been sent to the township engineer in order to get the discussion started. Heine said officials will work together to find a solution to the situation.

"The engineers will do what they can to see what we're going to do on Route 524A," he said.