DistantNews
Support us
🇹🇼 Taiwan /Environment & Climate

Taiwanese Councilor Questions Tree Ownership in Aerotropolis Zone Amid Felling Controversy

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A Taiwanese councilor questioned the city government over the felling of trees in the Taoyuan Aerotropolis construction zone.
  • The contractor allegedly claimed the felled trees were private property and offered them to the councilor.
  • The city government stated all trees in the zone belong to the public and those with transplant value will be moved to a nursery for later reuse.

A Taiwanese councilor has demanded clarity from the Taoyuan city government regarding the ownership of trees being felled in the Aerotropolis construction zone. Councilor You Wu-he witnessed contractors cutting down valuable trees, including 15 cypress trees, and was reportedly told by the workers that the felled timber was their private property.

Every tree in the Aerotropolis expropriation zone is a natural resource accumulated over many years and should not be arbitrarily cut down.

— You Wu-heCouncilor You Wu-he's statement on the felling of trees in the Taoyuan Aerotropolis construction zone.

"Every tree in the Aerotropolis expropriation zone is a natural resource accumulated over many years and should not be arbitrarily cut down," You stated. He questioned the city government's oversight, demanding clarification on ownership, whether contractors have the right to dispose of the wood, and if any illegal appropriation is occurring. He also urged the establishment of a robust mechanism for tree transplantation, adoption, or reuse, suggesting felled trees could be repurposed for art if not suitable for replanting.

The Taoyuan City Government's Aerotropolis Project Office responded that the site is part of the "Hangqing Road Southbound Lane Road Construction" project. Some trees were designated for removal due to poor health, proximity to structures, poor form, or public safety concerns. The office clarified that none were listed as precious trees under the city's tree protection ordinance. Trees with transplant value are being moved to a nursery, a "temporary tree bank," to be replanted or reused in parks and green spaces within the Aerotropolis once construction is complete.

The trees felled in the expropriation zone are our private property.

— ContractorThe alleged response from a contractor when asked about the disposal of felled trees by Councilor You Wu-he.

The office emphasized that all property and natural resources within the expropriated Aerotropolis zone belong to the government. They assured that strict review and approval mechanisms are in place for tree disposal, prohibiting any private appropriation, sale, or improper handling. The government pledged to uphold transparency and sustainability, ensuring construction proceeds while preserving ecological resources.

All property and natural resources within the expropriated Aerotropolis zone belong to the government.

— Taoyuan City Government's Aerotropolis Project OfficeThe city government's clarification on the ownership of trees in the construction zone.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog