An article in your newspaper by Fred Gray on December 06 was forwarded to our web site mailbox. The article details a serious issue brought by Ms. Jean Karrer pertaining to the destruction of trees along the I-75 corridor on the Northern Michigan peninsular.
Our organization - Citizens Against Ugly Street Spam - is very interested in issues such as these, especially when there appears to be a clear-cut violation of the Federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965. There may also be flagrant violation of Federal Law should the Michigan Transportation Department (MDOT) accepted federal funds to plant the trees as wind breaks. These laws are very language specific and states are held to the highest level of accountability. We have not found a single case where state law may supersede or override the federal statues, especially when it comes to federal funds and/or federal land.
Large national sign companies have been known to bully the local population by their threats and intimidation's by using serious lobbies in the state's legislatures. In a majority of these type issues, federal intervention is necessary to bring these folks under control.
Given the content and context of your article, which we assume not to be "slanted", CAUSS takes issue with the sign company's actions in filing a lawsuit against a retired private citizen in such a frivolous and intimidating manner.
Based on your article we find the sign companies are in possible violation of the following:
Disregards the specifications of HBA -1965. (Contents may be found on our web site) The butchering, disabling or destruction of trees that was planted with federal funds. Possible destruction of trees in the Hiawatha Federal National Forest located in Chippewa and Mackinac counties.
We of CAUSS intend to assist with our experience, contacts and capabilities the extent possible in order to stop this inconsiderate destruction and defacing of our environment. You may visit our web site at http://www.causs.org. This letter and all related information will be posted under the Michigan forum.
We will make serious recommendations to anyone concerned that they solicit a cause friendly legal association and seek a Federal Judge to issue a Temporary Restraining Order on behalf of the citizens of Northern Michigan. We will also encourage our members in Michigan to write to their elected congressional representatives to protest this wanton destruction.
