Trees felled in error provide winter heat for poor familiesBy Tenisha Waldo (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Melissa Haneline Adam Huckabee (left) chain logs to a tractor to be pulled out and cut Saturday at Murry Thompson's land on Wadmalaw Island. To helpRural Mission and Rockville Presbyterian Church welcome any volunteers who are willing to help split and stack the firewood, which is handed out each winter to sea island families in need. For information, call Rural Mission at 768-1720 or Rockville Presbyterian at 559-1056. WADMALAW ISLAND — Murry Thompson wasn't supposed to chop down a bunch of large trees on his property last summer without Charleston County's blessing. He knows that now, especially after having paid almost $12,000 in fines so far for not asking. But because of Thompson's mistake, at least two dozen poor families living on the islands will keep warm in the wintertime with firewood derived from the illegally hewed trees. Volunteers from Rockville Presbyterian Church and Rural Mission gathered wood from Thompson's property this weekend. The faith-based nonprofit on Johns Island has been teaming up with the church for years to provide firewood for families in need each winter. "This is a Godsend," said Anderson Mack of Rural Mission. "Although it started out as a situation that was not good, it's going to go to a good purpose." Mack said they had never harvested that much wood at once and that about 25 families will be supplied firewood from it. Simon Black of Rockville Presbyterian said they read in the newspaper about Thompson's run-in with the county and hoped he might be willing to donate the wood. Thompson agreed. "I was delighted to help out any way I could," he said. "I'm trying to make this come out well." Trouble first started for Thompson in late August after county planning officials received complaints from residents about several large trees being cut down along Rockefeller Road. At issue is the county's laws against grand-tree removal, which say permits are required to cut down trees at least 24 inches in diameter when measured at chest height. County officials found 44 grand trees were illegally cut down, though Thompson later hired a forester who counted only 22 trees. Thompson said he and the county have since settled on 23 trees. A county planner had called the incident the largest violation against the county's codes protecting grand trees since the laws were enacted after Hurricane Hugo hit in 1989. The landowners involved were fined about $1,025 plus restitution for each hewed tree found on their property. A Johns Island tree service company also was fined. The total charged was $46,125 plus possibly restitution if the courts see fit. Thompson accepted responsibility for any violations since he had the trees downed as part of his self-motivated conservation project. He said he wanted to restore the land to its natural habitat where wildlife such as quail and deer once flourished. Thompson had planted a forest of longleaf pines with native warm-season grasses and plots of sunflowers, sorghum and millet in hopes that the project would be picked up by national conservation efforts. The Lowcountry Open Land Trust might also approve next year his application for a conservation easement. Thompson said negotiations with the county are still under way, although he already has paid about $12,000 in fines plus legal fees. "I've run out of money," he said. "I have no more money to pay for lawyers. I have no more money to pay for fines. ... I'm pleading for mercy." On Saturday, about two dozen volunteers — all men representing Boy Scout troops, a handful of area churches and other service groups — sawed, stacked and hauled off the remnants of Thompson's error. But the work is far from done. Greg Dixon, a local carpenter who attends Rockville Presbyterian, said they need volunteers to help split the wood into small pieces. Youth groups are welcome, he said. Dixon said they had just enough wood for families this year but that the supply was running low. "Now we don't have to worry about all next winter," he added. Black said the firewood is available to any family in need. "You don't have to go to church to get firewood; you just have to be cold," he said. "We'll deliver to anyone." Reach Tenisha Waldo at twaldo@postandcourier.com or 937-5744. |
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Comments
This article has 11 comment(s)
Posted by KidYendor on December 16, 2007 at 2:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am in need of some of that firewood and don't want to pay for it but would like to have it delivered free of charge. I don't live on a sea island and am not on welfare. Am I still eligible?
Posted by adeleworsham on December 16, 2007 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
After first reading this story over the summer, I couldn't get over how ridiculous it was. Although Dr. Thompson did not in fact have the "blessing" of Charleston County to cut down his own trees, it's wonderful to see the good that's it's done for needy families. I also think that the nearby residents of Dr. Thompson who complained to the county planning officials perhaps have too much spare time on their hands that could be spent doing something useful such as helping needy families. Do county officials really have nothing better to do than count and measure cut trees? With so many crimes being commited everyday all around Charleston, shouldn't they be too busy enforcing laws of crimes much more severe(I think the public would agree with me that protecting our children and teachers in public schools would be time well spent by the county) to ensure the public's safety? It also appears that Dr. Thompson's reasons for cutting down the trees in the first place (wildlife preservation) would have been an excellent project for the county to take on. In conclusion, I'm convinced that Dr. Thompson actually did Charleston county two favors, wildlife preservation and helping to supply needy families with heat. Had he not generously donated his trees, wouldn't the responsibility of helping the families fallen on the county and tax payers? Instead of fining Dr. Thompson and causing this good man and his family so much worry and heartache, I think a sincere thank you from the county would have been so much more appropriate. After all, how often does one man try to do(and succeed in doing) the county's job for them? Thank you Dr. Thompson for your hard work and generosity. I hope there will be many more thank yous, you certainly deserve it.
Adele Worsham Rhinehart
234 Snyder Farm Rd
Waynesville, NC 28786
Posted by happycamper on December 16, 2007 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank you Dr Thompson, and thank you adeleworsham for seeing the good and truth in what Dr Thompson was trying to do. How many other land owners are trying to preserve the land?? Everyone is selling it off and clear cutting it for buidlings, but they are naming the streets after the trees they cut down or the animals that no longer have homes, you know such as "pine grove" and "quail hollow". I commend Dr. Thompson and his family for what they are doing. KidYendor are you that insensitive of other peoples needs or are you just plain stupid? Is that how you have gotten where you are in life, freeloading off of other peoples needs. I am sure Santa won't be at your house this Chirstmas because you are truly a Grinch!! Oh, thats right, you won't be home for Christmas anyway, you will be down at the Soup Kitchen getting your free meal.
Posted by KidYendor on December 16, 2007 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't see how cutting 44 grand trees amounts to a self-motivated conservation project. I think the deer would have liked the forested area just fine. I don't believe you cut down healthy old trees to preserve land and wildlife. You do that to create a desert. But in regards to protection of property rights, I support Mr. Thompson's right to manicure and cut down what he wants on his property. Developers and the highway department slaughter many more trees than was cut here all the time so this is minuscule in comparison. However, government sees individual's property rights as subject matter to be ignored as it barrels down the highway to tyranny. Happycamper, I said that I was not on welfare. Freeloaders are people on welfare. I do want some of that wood though to keep me warm. Do you have a truck for me to borrow to go get some of it? "We'll deliver to anyone," is what the quote said so maybe I won't need your truck. Mr. Thompson would have done better to sell the wood to help with the fines and legal bills.
Posted by theronce on December 17, 2007 at 7:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Does anyone really think that you own a piece of property? Once you pay all of the price of the land, you must pay taxes (every year!), pay insurance to keep from having it taken from you, pay for some sort of security to keep it from hurting your friends and neighbors, while at the same time doing with it only what your friends and neighbors allow. Own it? What a joke. Aren't we so stupid.
Posted by adeleworsham on December 17, 2007 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
KidYendor, I agree with HappyCamper that you are just plain stupid. You've got a lot of nerve to ask Dr. (not Mr.) Thompson to give you some of his wood that it sounds like you probably don't need in the first place and are just too lazy to go out and get your own, and to deliver it to you for free. You're right though, you don't need his truck, you are perfectly capable of getting it on your own, though it is always easier to have someone do it all for you isn't it? And I don't see how you of all people have any place to comment on a "self motivated project". And if you'd bothered to read the whole story, you probably would have known that what Dr. Thompson was doing was creating a forest. So please don't post anymore comments until you know what you're talking about and save yourself some embarassement.
Posted by Grandoaksgoon on December 17, 2007 at 10:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why don't the poor people come and cut their own wood? load their own wood? Why do you have to be poor? Can you just be cold? Is there going to be any proof of poverty?
This is why i dislike the poor, they always wait on a church or government to come cater to them.
Posted by happycamper on December 18, 2007 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A lot of elderly live around there, James Isl, Johns Isl, and they cannot afford to buy the wood, and certainly are not capable of physically getting it themselves. I still think it is a wonderful thing they are doing to help the needy. Any just for you, KidYendor, I do have a job, I did buy my firewood for the year, and I do have a truck that I used to get it with. I also have helped several families who could not afford Christmas for their kids. I wish more people who were able...be willing!
Posted by adeleworsham on December 19, 2007 at 12:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
One more thing... I'd REALLY like to know what the County of Charleston is going to do with all the money Dr. Thompson has had to pay in fines. Buy more trees?? Firewood?? Why is it so important for the County to collect so much money from someone who doesn't deserve such harsh penalties? He's paid enough already, now it's time to give him a break.
Posted by truthsearcher on December 28, 2007 at 2:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It is amazing how this man has spun the ILLEGAL act of cutting down these trees in his favor by omitting information. People, he cut down trees on his property AND on the property of other landowners WITHOUT THEIR PERMISSION AND WITHOUT PERMITS. The neighbors were complaining because trees were being cut on their property without permission ! How convenient this wasn't discussed. And some of these trees were over 100 years old. Now he gets people to clear his illegally cut down trees for FREE while making himself look like a hero by donating the wood. I'll give the man credit, he's good.
Instead of asking the county what they will do with the money, ask the Dr. what happened to the money from the several logging trucks which left loaded with trees before he was caught ?
And how is clearing trees bringing the property back to it's natural state for wildlife ? What kind of doctor is he ? Dr. Doolittle ? Did the animals tell him they wanted trees removed ? Last time I checked trees were part of the natural state of a forested area.
As usual with the press you only get one side of the story. Wake up people ! This man cut down irreplaceable trees ILLEGALLY and got off with a slap on the wrist. He could and should have been fined over $400,000.
Posted by mccallumedwards on December 29, 2007 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i live on rockefeller rd and i must pass this incredible mess on my way home and it has been here for many months. nothing has been done to clean up what is the equivalent of major hurricane damage. it is a predictable shame that all of us are forced to depend on the incompetents who constitute the county judicial system and planning board to get some action on clean up. a bunch of grandstanding preachers and daytripper do gooders will do nothing but hold up serious action. skidders loaders and trucks will be required just like the ones the county ran off. the trees are already cut why not let the same crowd clean up.