When it comes to Braddell Hill, let woods be woods

Patricia Thong Soo-Ping Today Online 7 Sep 12;

I refer to the Singapore Land Authority's letter "Felled trees were a threat to safety" (Aug 20).

I am a resident of 13 years in Braddell View and, in general, I understand the need to selectively fell trees for public safety. But in this case, what are the "significant safety threats" and to whom? As the name Braddell Hill suggests, the woods are up a small hill with low, if any, human traffic.

Even if it was deemed necessary to fell the perimeter trees, could not those in the middle have been spared?

Keeping mature trees is one way to provide scarce habitat for birds and small animals that struggle to survive in urban Singapore.

Moreover, Braddell Hill is adjacent to MacRitchie Reservoir and not far from Bukit Brown. It may thus function as a buffer or transit zone for such creatures.

The authorities should reconsider not felling the remaining trees, and let woods be woods.

Felled trees at Braddell within close proximity of residents
From Yap Chung Lee Director, Land Operations (Public), Singapore Land Authority
Today Online 9 Sep 12;

We refer to Ms Patricia Thong's letter, "When it comes to Braddell Hill, let woods be woods" (Sept 7).

Albizia trees are vulnerable to storms and prone to falling down because of their brittle wood structure and shallow root system. There have been recent reports of Albizia trees that fell as a result, causing substantial damage.

All 12 Albizia trees at Braddell Hill which must be removed are along the perimeter and not in the middle. As they are within close proximity of residents, they endanger public safety. Seven have been removed, and the rest will be removed this month.

We reassure Ms Thong that the decision was made in the interest of the public, particularly Braddell View residents, and only after consulting the National Parks Board.

The Singapore Land Authority does not remove vegetation unless absolutely necessary. Where appropriate, we will replant trees that are better able to withstand adverse weather conditions.

Related links
Save the Braddell Road forest Ong Ruici Today Online 11 Aug 12;