During the past 12+ years I have written numerous letters to state officials urging them to remove vines on trees along the Saw Mill River Parkway. I have expressed concern that the asiastic bittersweet vines are killing the trees –creating potential safety problems for motorists who drive on the Parkway. An article in the August 2nd, 2004issue of the NY Times indicated that the lobbying effort might be successful. The NY State Department of Transportation is developing a pilot program to control the bittersweet on a section of the Saw Mill, with work to begin next year. And---there is a group of citizen-pruners, who call themselves Vinecutters and even have a new Web site (www.vinecutter.com) are tackling the vines along the Bronx River Parkway. I believe that the State and County should consider using workfare recipients to assist in removing the dangerous vines. Removing vines on the trees can prevent fatalities.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
