I walk my dog from the Bristol Town Beach parking lot to the water every day. About two weeks ago, I was dismayed to see that several mature trees were chopped down to the stumps.

After a few days I counted 24 trees gone. They were in full leaf and appeared to be healthy. Those trees shaded the picnic tables and some park benches.

I talked with several people in Colt State Park and they were equally upset about the loss of those beautiful trees. I made some inquiries and discovered that the Bristol Tree Commission was never consulted about the destruction of those trees. I don’t know whether the trees on either side of the walkway belonged to the state or to the town, but the proper authorities should have been consulted about such destruction.

If someone is planning to replant, it will take many years before we will have shade there again. The Bristol Town Park and Colt State Park are very important to the recreational needs of our community. I hope more thoughtful considerations are employed before taking such destructive procedures in the future.

Sandra Chabot Landay
Bristol