Dozens of trees removed on Riverside to keep Dayton dry

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - The Miami Conservancy District is scheduled to remove 22 trees believed to weaken the levees that hold back the Great Miami River and essentially protect the city from flood waters. 

Crews were spotted cutting down trees along Riverside Drive throughout the weekend.

"I couldn't believe it," said Marianne Stanley, who lives off Riverside Drive.  "Surely they would not do this if they don't have to."

Stanley said she's been battling the city on the issue for months and even wrote an article in the Dayton City Paper titled, "If a tree falls."

"The science said to keep the trees," said Stanley.  "They are everything we need. When you pull them out it leaves a hole where water could come through.  They were planted with the installation of the levees. The trees went in with that. That should tells us something."

The city of Dayton also referenced the deadly 1913 flood that swept through Dayton.

"We are trying to make the flood protection system as strong as possible and maintain it properly.," said Kurt Rinehart, who is with the Miami Conservancy District.  " I think its an easy choice when you gage the potential risk to peoples lives, their houses, or their businesses.  I think we are doing the right thing."

Stanley has suggested the city should start with removing trees currently in the river and keep the ones on the levees for strength and beautification.

"It will help in allowing the river to flow properly," said Stanley.

Reinhart said the district is working with the city to identify areas for new trees to replace the ones that have been cut down.  

"We need to find appropriate areas," said Reinhart.  "Levees are not appropriate areas. In total, the conservancy district has planted more than 400,000 trees."