By Bruce Rolfe
A group of Charleston Township and area residents voiced their concerns through a statement read at the June 23 regular township board meeting for what the group says is 8000 trees that could be removed as part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) project, a federally funded initiative aimed at improving roadway safety and reducing serious injuries and fatalities.
The Road Commission of Kalamazoo County applied for the SS4A grant and was awarded $25 million in 2024.
The SS4A program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, supports data-driven strategies to improve safety for all road users, including motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Construction on this 5-year project will take place in phases and began in the fall of 2025, with work occurring in different areas over the coming years. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2029. Exact timelines for each road segment will vary depending on weather conditions, project complexity, and contractor schedules.
Road Commission of Kalamazoo County Managing Director Travis Bartholomew said the planned improvements, such as rumble strips, center turn lanes, tree removal, and new pavement markings, are based on extensive data that highlights the need for safety upgrades to prevent serious crashes, including fatalities.
Charleston Township resident Sue Reichert of Mercury Drive, spoke on behalf of Citizens For Safe Roads and Trees, other Charleston Township residents, friends and community members, she said care about the future, safety and charactor of the township.
The Citizens For Safe Roads and Trees group already have over 1000 petitions signed by residents against the large number of trees scheduled for removal.
For more information on the group log onto kalamazoocountytrees.com.
Reichert said the group supports some of the items that are part of the SS4A plan that will enhance the safety of county roadways. However the group does not agree with the blanket clear zone improvement strategy that will remove what the group said will be about 8000 trees.
The Citizens for Safe Roads and Trees group said the trees scheduled for removal have been identified with a red or orange “X”.
Bartholomew said currently, RCKC does not have an accurate count of the total number of trees that will be removed along the 130 miles included in the safety project. He adds an estimate of approximately 8,000 trees has been discussed; however, a more precise number will not be available until design work is completed for the full project.
Bartholomew adds RCKC is currently evaluating a tree replacement policy that would involve cost-sharing with property owners. Any replacement trees would be required to be planted outside of the road right-of-way (ROW), but adjacent to the roadway, in order to help preserve the existing natural tree line while maintaining safety standards.
Bartholomew said tree removal activities will be performed by contracted crews. Prior to any work taking place, all affected property owners will be notified and provided the option to retain the removed wood. He said if preferred, RCKC can also handle disposal.
Reichert adds the group feels clear cutting will create dangers to county roadways not considered by RCKC.
“In fact, removing every single tree along our rural roads will create an even greater hazard. Living in Michigan, and I know going down Mercury Drive, where there’s fields, there’s just nothing but ice because there’s no trees to serve as a natural snow fence. Clear zone improvements create the real risk that out of control vehicles will leave the roadway, and rather than hitting a tree, it passes through the clear zone and could hit a resident’s home or other buildings. We would lose beautiful 50 or 100 year old trees, which really can’t be replaced, at least not in my lifetime or many of our lifetimes,” said Reichert reading the group’s prepared statement.
Bartholomew said there are other variables that factor into wind breaks, not just trees when considering open space that could create more hazardous driving conditions in the winter.
He said trees used as wind and snow barriers are only effective when they are properly located and designed, typically placed 100 to 300 feet from the roadway in a parallel alignment. He said an effective living snow fence consists of multiple rows of coniferous trees arranged in an offset or staggered pattern, supplemented with lower-growing shrub species to increase density near the ground.
The RCKC Managing Road Director adds in contrast, trees planted immediately adjacent to the roadway can create unintended safety concerns.
“Roadside trees often shade the pavement, limiting sunlight exposure and contributing to premature icing and more persistent slippery conditions during winter weather events. Additionally, trees, tall vegetation, and fences located adjacent to the roadway can disrupt wind patterns, preventing snow from blowing across the road surface. This can lead to the formation of snow drifts within the traveled lanes, reducing lane width and, in more severe cases, impeding or preventing vehicular travel altogether,” said Bartholomew.
The statement Reichert read adds many residents move to rural areas because they love trees and enjoy living in a rural environment. She also mentioned the importance of trees to create oxygen.
The statement Reichert read adds massive tree removal brings the potential for a decrease in property value, impacting township residents and the Township itself.
Reichert adds the group would like to see a reasonable compromise made between the Road Commission and the citizens and residents who “actually live and drive these roads every day.”
“Instead of clear cutting everything, a sensible compromise would be removing only those trees that actively impedes the intersection’s visibility. Removing dead trees or hazardous dead limbs along the roadside. This targeted approach protects drivers, manages dead growth, and preserves the living canopy that defines our township,” said Reichert.
The statement Reichert read notes because the road commission’s current plan is an all or nothing approach, the group requested the township board send a letter supporting the group’s concern and plan to the Road Commission. Or, pass a resolution asking the Road Commission to amend the current plan and “adopt a common sense compromise we have outlined tonight.”
Charleston Township Supervisor Jerry Vander Roest said he would like to gather more information and once he does obtain more information he will bring that information to the board for future discussion.
He adds some County Commissioners are also continuing to research more information.
One audience member said trees are not killing people, noting some of the responsibility has to be on the driver of a vehicle. The township resident agreed dead trees or dead limbs hanging over roadways should be trimmed or removed.
Reichert said the group researched the SS4A plan and said the federal grant can be amended.
Bartholomew said RCKC is working closely with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to better understand options for potential design change or grant amendments.
Bartholomew said while the Board of County Road Commissioners may consider options to reduce the number of trees removed, doing so would reduce the effectiveness of the clear zone and its intended safety benefits. He points out tree removal within the road right-of-way is already a standard component of RCKC projects, with more than 900 trees typically removed each year to support safety, drainage improvements, and necessary road widening. In addition, he said RCKC responded to more than 1,700 calls annually for fallen trees blocking roadways.
Bartholomew said RCKC is currently on schedule to begin constructing rumble strips and implementing clear zone improvements later this fall.
Anticipated cost for the project at $38,300,000 with $25,000,000 from the SS4A Implementation Grant (the largest grant received for the RCKC and the largest SS4A implementation grant in the State as of 9/3/24) and $13,300,000 as the RCKC share.
According to the RCKC website, the safety improvements include installing rumble strips along the centerline and shoulders of over 130 miles of road, which will help reduce crashes caused by driver inattention. In addition, trees and other fixed objects within the right-of-way will be removed to create safer roadways, and new pavement markings will be added to improve visibility and road safety. In some cases, roads will be repaved, reconstructed, or widened to enhance road conditions, and center turn lanes will be added at several key intersections for safer turning movements.
KCRC’s website adds the locations and scope of the project were carefully determined based on data about crash rates, traffic safety, and community needs. The roads selected for improvement are among the highest-priority areas for safety enhancements. Locations identified as part of this project were identified when RCKC prepared its Transportation Safety Action Plan in 2023. This plan was based upon a review of countywide crash data and public feedback.
More information on the SS4A project can be viewed on the RCKC website at https://www.kalamazoocountyroads.com.
Click on the SS4A page for detailed information on the project.
Below are 2026-2028 project locations listed on the RCKC website.
2026 Project List
32nd Street / 33rd Street, 12th Street, U Avenue, Portage Road, W Avenue, 8th Street, Q Avenue, D Avenue, Ravine Road, Douglas Avenue, Sprinkle Road, Augusta Drive, N Avenue, 34th Street, MN Avenue, Mercury Drive
2027 Project List
26th Street, Ravine Road, 32nd Street, G Avenue, Stadium Drive, Almena Drive, Ravine Road, 12th Street, Douglas Avenue, Riverview Drive
2028 Project List
W Avenue, 42nd Street, 24th Street, XY Avenue, Portage Road, 8th Street
2029 Project List
6th Street, P Avenue / 3rd Street / OP Avenue, W Avenue, P Avenue, Ravine Road, Riverview Drive
A group of Charleston Township and area residents voiced their concerns through a statement read at the June 23 regular township board meeting for what the group says is 8000 trees that could be removed as part of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) project, a federally funded initiative aimed at improving roadway safety and reducing serious injuries and fatalities.
The Road Commission of Kalamazoo County applied for the SS4A grant and was awarded $25 million in 2024.
The SS4A program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, supports data-driven strategies to improve safety for all road users, including motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Construction on this 5-year project will take place in phases and began in the fall of 2025, with work occurring in different areas over the coming years. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2029. Exact timelines for each road segment will vary depending on weather conditions, project complexity, and contractor schedules.
Road Commission of Kalamazoo County Managing Director Travis Bartholomew said the planned improvements, such as rumble strips, center turn lanes, tree removal, and new pavement markings, are based on extensive data that highlights the need for safety upgrades to prevent serious crashes, including fatalities.
Charleston Township resident Sue Reichert of Mercury Drive, spoke on behalf of Citizens For Safe Roads and Trees, other Charleston Township residents, friends and community members, she said care about the future, safety and charactor of the township.
The Citizens For Safe Roads and Trees group already have over 1000 petitions signed by residents against the large number of trees scheduled for removal.
For more information on the group log onto kalamazoocountytrees.com.
Reichert said the group supports some of the items that are part of the SS4A plan that will enhance the safety of county roadways. However the group does not agree with the blanket clear zone improvement strategy that will remove what the group said will be about 8000 trees.
The Citizens for Safe Roads and Trees group said the trees scheduled for removal have been identified with a red or orange “X”.
Bartholomew said currently, RCKC does not have an accurate count of the total number of trees that will be removed along the 130 miles included in the safety project. He adds an estimate of approximately 8,000 trees has been discussed; however, a more precise number will not be available until design work is completed for the full project.
Bartholomew adds RCKC is currently evaluating a tree replacement policy that would involve cost-sharing with property owners. Any replacement trees would be required to be planted outside of the road right-of-way (ROW), but adjacent to the roadway, in order to help preserve the existing natural tree line while maintaining safety standards.
Bartholomew said tree removal activities will be performed by contracted crews. Prior to any work taking place, all affected property owners will be notified and provided the option to retain the removed wood. He said if preferred, RCKC can also handle disposal.
Reichert adds the group feels clear cutting will create dangers to county roadways not considered by RCKC.
“In fact, removing every single tree along our rural roads will create an even greater hazard. Living in Michigan, and I know going down Mercury Drive, where there’s fields, there’s just nothing but ice because there’s no trees to serve as a natural snow fence. Clear zone improvements create the real risk that out of control vehicles will leave the roadway, and rather than hitting a tree, it passes through the clear zone and could hit a resident’s home or other buildings. We would lose beautiful 50 or 100 year old trees, which really can’t be replaced, at least not in my lifetime or many of our lifetimes,” said Reichert reading the group’s prepared statement.
Bartholomew said there are other variables that factor into wind breaks, not just trees when considering open space that could create more hazardous driving conditions in the winter.
He said trees used as wind and snow barriers are only effective when they are properly located and designed, typically placed 100 to 300 feet from the roadway in a parallel alignment. He said an effective living snow fence consists of multiple rows of coniferous trees arranged in an offset or staggered pattern, supplemented with lower-growing shrub species to increase density near the ground.
The RCKC Managing Road Director adds in contrast, trees planted immediately adjacent to the roadway can create unintended safety concerns.
“Roadside trees often shade the pavement, limiting sunlight exposure and contributing to premature icing and more persistent slippery conditions during winter weather events. Additionally, trees, tall vegetation, and fences located adjacent to the roadway can disrupt wind patterns, preventing snow from blowing across the road surface. This can lead to the formation of snow drifts within the traveled lanes, reducing lane width and, in more severe cases, impeding or preventing vehicular travel altogether,” said Bartholomew.
The statement Reichert read adds many residents move to rural areas because they love trees and enjoy living in a rural environment. She also mentioned the importance of trees to create oxygen.
The statement Reichert read adds massive tree removal brings the potential for a decrease in property value, impacting township residents and the Township itself.
Reichert adds the group would like to see a reasonable compromise made between the Road Commission and the citizens and residents who “actually live and drive these roads every day.”
“Instead of clear cutting everything, a sensible compromise would be removing only those trees that actively impedes the intersection’s visibility. Removing dead trees or hazardous dead limbs along the roadside. This targeted approach protects drivers, manages dead growth, and preserves the living canopy that defines our township,” said Reichert.
The statement Reichert read notes because the road commission’s current plan is an all or nothing approach, the group requested the township board send a letter supporting the group’s concern and plan to the Road Commission. Or, pass a resolution asking the Road Commission to amend the current plan and “adopt a common sense compromise we have outlined tonight.”
Charleston Township Supervisor Jerry Vander Roest said he would like to gather more information and once he does obtain more information he will bring that information to the board for future discussion.
He adds some County Commissioners are also continuing to research more information.
One audience member said trees are not killing people, noting some of the responsibility has to be on the driver of a vehicle. The township resident agreed dead trees or dead limbs hanging over roadways should be trimmed or removed.
Reichert said the group researched the SS4A plan and said the federal grant can be amended.
Bartholomew said RCKC is working closely with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to better understand options for potential design change or grant amendments.
Bartholomew said while the Board of County Road Commissioners may consider options to reduce the number of trees removed, doing so would reduce the effectiveness of the clear zone and its intended safety benefits. He points out tree removal within the road right-of-way is already a standard component of RCKC projects, with more than 900 trees typically removed each year to support safety, drainage improvements, and necessary road widening. In addition, he said RCKC responded to more than 1,700 calls annually for fallen trees blocking roadways.
Bartholomew said RCKC is currently on schedule to begin constructing rumble strips and implementing clear zone improvements later this fall.
Anticipated cost for the project at $38,300,000 with $25,000,000 from the SS4A Implementation Grant (the largest grant received for the RCKC and the largest SS4A implementation grant in the State as of 9/3/24) and $13,300,000 as the RCKC share.
According to the RCKC website, the safety improvements include installing rumble strips along the centerline and shoulders of over 130 miles of road, which will help reduce crashes caused by driver inattention. In addition, trees and other fixed objects within the right-of-way will be removed to create safer roadways, and new pavement markings will be added to improve visibility and road safety. In some cases, roads will be repaved, reconstructed, or widened to enhance road conditions, and center turn lanes will be added at several key intersections for safer turning movements.
KCRC’s website adds the locations and scope of the project were carefully determined based on data about crash rates, traffic safety, and community needs. The roads selected for improvement are among the highest-priority areas for safety enhancements. Locations identified as part of this project were identified when RCKC prepared its Transportation Safety Action Plan in 2023. This plan was based upon a review of countywide crash data and public feedback.
More information on the SS4A project can be viewed on the RCKC website at https://www.kalamazoocountyroads.com.
Click on the SS4A page for detailed information on the project.
Below are 2026-2028 project locations listed on the RCKC website.
2026 Project List
32nd Street / 33rd Street, 12th Street, U Avenue, Portage Road, W Avenue, 8th Street, Q Avenue, D Avenue, Ravine Road, Douglas Avenue, Sprinkle Road, Augusta Drive, N Avenue, 34th Street, MN Avenue, Mercury Drive
2027 Project List
26th Street, Ravine Road, 32nd Street, G Avenue, Stadium Drive, Almena Drive, Ravine Road, 12th Street, Douglas Avenue, Riverview Drive
2028 Project List
W Avenue, 42nd Street, 24th Street, XY Avenue, Portage Road, 8th Street
2029 Project List
6th Street, P Avenue / 3rd Street / OP Avenue, W Avenue, P Avenue, Ravine Road, Riverview Drive
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