Werkner Road is a tree-lined, quiet rural road in Chelsea, MI, cherished by residents and visitors alike for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) has initiated a project to eliminate 48 of roughly 250 trees lining the road. Many of these trees are native white oaks and hickories that are over 100 years old, providing essential habitat for wildlife and contributing to the unique character of our community.

Despite the significance of these trees, the commission has refused to conduct an environmental analysis. Although they state that the purpose of the widening is for safety, they have not conducted a comparative safety analysis. We believe it is irresponsible to impact the environment so significantly without any supporting analysis of the impact or benefits. In response, our group has filed a lawsuit under the Michigan Environmental Protection Act (MEPA) to demand accountability and protect these irreplaceable trees.

Funds raised through this campaign will primarily go toward legal fees for our MEPA lawsuit, and may also help us secure expert testimony if needed. Any remaining funds will be donated to the Michigan Nature Conservancy to continue the fight for environmental protection in our region. We invite you to sign our Change.org petition (https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-county-from-cutting-down-100-year-old-trees-along-werkner-rd), thank you for caring about the environment, and encourage you to get involved in your local government. Your support means the world to us and helps protect the natural beauty of our neighborhood for generations to come.