KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A husband and wife opposing a proposed tree removal project in Kalamazoo County say they support roadway improvements, but strongly oppose what they describe as unnecessary clear-cutting along county roads.
The debate centers on a safety initiative under the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, which county officials say is aimed at reducing lane departure crashes through infrastructure changes such as rumble strips, updated pavement markings and improved signage.
But residents say one major part of the proposal, the removal of thousands of trees along rural roadways, goes too far.
The couple, who organized a petition and sent a letter to the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County, said they are not opposed to the broader safety effort, but want the tree removal portion removed or significantly reduced.
“We actually support the SS4A program: the rumble strips, improved signage, improved markings, those are all great things,” Brad Sadowski said. “But removing and cutting down 8,000 trees is basically clear cutting these roadsides.”
They argued the trees serve as natural windbreaks in rural areas where open farmland can allow snow to drift heavily across roadways during winter months.
“In the wintertime, you’re going to create icy road conditions from blowing snow by removing these trees,” Brad Sadowski said. “Those trees are a natural barrier.”
The couple said they believe the removal could increase risk not only for drivers, but also for nearby homeowners if vehicles leave the roadway in areas without roadside buffers.
A central complaint from opponents is how and when residents were informed about the scope of the project. The couple said they first became aware of the plan after noticing red markings placed on trees along county roads.
“We only found out by driving these roads and seeing the red X’s,” Tiffany Sadowski said. “Nobody knew they were going to remove 8,000 trees until those markings started showing up.”
They said they later learned more after attending a township meeting and reviewing Road Commission materials, but argue most residents were not adequately informed early in the process.
“People didn’t know what to look for or what it was called,” Tiffany Sadowski said.
Picture are several Kalamazoo County residents who say they want to amend The Road Commission of Kalamazoo County’s SS4A project. (Princess Jhané Stepherson/WWMT)
The Road Commission of Kalamazoo County has said the SS4A-funded project is intended to address roadway departure crashes and improve overall traffic safety.
Officials have pointed to crash data and roadway conditions as justification for proposed changes, including widening clear zones along certain corridors.
Opponents, however, say they believe the project should be amended rather than implemented as proposed.
Instead of large-scale tree removal, the couple is urging the county to limit removal to hazardous or dead trees and focus on intersections where visibility improvements may be needed.
“We support the program going forward,” Brad said. “Just amend the scope so it’s not clear-cutting 8,000 trees.”
They also suggested reevaluating how SS4A funding is allocated, arguing resources could be better used on additional safety measures such as rumble strips or road maintenance.
Opponents also raised environmental concerns, arguing the removal of mature trees could impact wildlife habitats and local ecosystems.
Tiffany, who teaches science education, said older trees provide critical nesting environments for certain bird species and habitats for bats and other wildlife.
“There are species that rely on trees over 100 years old,” Tiffany said. “If those are removed, you lose nesting areas and it creates a cascading environmental effect.”
The couple also pointed to what they described as research suggesting tree-lined roads may naturally encourage slower driving speeds compared to open roadways.
The couple said they have gathered more than 1,200 signatures on a petition opposing the full scope of the tree removal plan and continue to collect additional support.
They are urging residents to review the proposal and contact the Road Commission directly.
“We’re not protestors or agitators,” Brad said. “We’re just trying to promote transparency and find a compromise.”
The Road Commission has said the project remains part of its broader effort to improve roadway safety, though residents say they hope officials will consider amendments before moving forward.
The debate is expected to continue as the SS4A project advances through planning stages.
At the end of the meeting KCRC drafted a tree replacement policy in which they’d replace every tree that is cut down and pay for 50% of the cost. The other 50% is the responsibility of the homeowner, that suggestion did not go well with residents. As a result KCRC says there will be another meeting on the matter on June 30, 2026 at 3 p.m.