I agree that the Dufferin Tree-Cutting Bylaw "might be ambiguous in its wording" ("NDACT seeks hefty fines for Highland tree removals," 11 June).

For example, it does not assure permission will be granted to remove trees if an owner follows all the bylaw requirements; therefore, any permission must rely on an arbitrary decision by the Dufferin County staff, and the CAO, Ms Linda Dean, is on record as saying her job is to "preserve the forest cover of the county."

However, the bylaw is quite clear as to the allowed reasons for removing trees.

Among the myriad exemptions - gravel pit development, hydro line installation, etc - the bylaw permits "the injuring or destruction of trees by a person who has been the registered owner of land for at least two years to cut trees thereon for the person's own use" (Paragraph 5j).

That means trees can be removed to connect two fields, split firewood or cut fence posts and rails.

If the Highland Group is censored for removing trees to plant potatoes, I'm sure they can obtain provincial approval for a gravel pit.
Charles Hooker
Orangeville