To members of Huntsville the council:
I would like to express my shock and dismay upon finding that a beloved local landmark, the aged maple tree that grows on the edge of Indian Landing in Port Sydney, has undergone a substantial alteration at the hands of an overzealous town worker.
Why this tree had to be cleaned up is anyone’s guess. Indeed, there are no overhead lines or any kinds of obstruction anywhere near this iconic natural beauty and the permanency of this gesture has left me saddened and angry. The very essence and character of this tree that has drawn people to it for decades was precisely because of its wild nature and its unique position so close to the river.
 A tree of this stature and importance in the trickle down economics of the village should have been left to age gracefully. This tree that people from all over the world have enjoyed has been part of the town for at least eighty years and in a matter of moments has been disfigured.
In my estimation any decisions such as this boneheaded one should have been agreed upon by the citizens of the village of Port Sydney. Sadly, it`s too late now but in the future perhaps it would be wise to establish these attractions as protected landmarks and prevent one person from making decisions on behalf of many.
I think it would do well for the local council to make the effort to be a little more in step with what the village represents and what its local citizens care deeply about.

Neil Sternberg
Port Sydney