sometimes I am so embarrassed by my own species. what low life steals trees?!

I might suggest another explanation. Last summer, I noticed trees near my property on the edge of the street were taken down while I was away at work. There is nothing sinister about it; I believe it is the town responding to complaints about all-too-frequent power outages on the mountain. If I am not mistaken, there is an ongoing program around Cornwall and the village to clear overgrowth near the power lines that service our community, and possibly also remove trees which are a hazard. Can anyone confirm that for us? Also, further up the Boulevard, someone appears to have felled trees beneath the power lines off Hasbrouck, next to the golf course. I saw tree pruners there (not poachers), perhaps hired by the town or utility. It should be noted that on most deeds to property, the town/village is deeded the first 25 feet from the center of each public road. The same is true along power lines, as a right of way is usually granted, if not deeded. Therefore, trees in close proximity to the Boulevard may not have belonged to the Grail property anyway, and the town/village would have been within their rights to take them without prior notice or permission. However, I am not certain of this in the present case at the Grail, only suggesting it as a possibility which should be considered before we begin hooding up for another witch hunt. When you think about it, no one needs "healthy" trees for firewood (too green), and the small trees here along the roadside are useless to the lumber industry for anything but pulp (not enough hardwood). So that is my thinking...any confirmation out there?

Unfortunately, I believe that was not the case. I was driving home from work one day around 6:30 on the Boulevard adjacent to the grail .I believe it was February and noticed a truck with two men looked like a father son team who were loading fresh cut lumber into their truck I thought it was odd but dismissed it thinking it was their property. I wish I had at least jotted down the plate. They always say to follow your gut instincts I wish I had that evening. I will keep an eye out when I pass on the Boulevard.

The village of Cornwall-on-Hudson did not authorize or have fore-knowledge of the tree cutting at The Grail. My son was driving on the Boulevard and noticed the same pick-up truck parked at the site. I agree it is strange that someone wanting wood for burning would cut green trees in the middle of the winter. There are adjacent power lines there, but far from being encroached upon by the trees which were cut down. It will remain a mystery, I'm afraid, but we can all learn a lesson from this that if there is suspicious activity in our midst, then it is our responsibility to report it when we see it. That's how it stops.

As Town Tree Warden, I do not know about Village policy, but any tree cutting or trimming according to the Town Tree Code performed by any utility companies is required to notify the Town of any activity/ies of such duties in the Town. If there has been no notification by such companies I would deem this suspicious and all should be diligent in any activity that looks to be an "outsider'.