Appling County residents raise concerns over unauthorized tree removals by contractor

Concerns over unauthorized tree removal and poor communication dominated the recent government meeting in Appling County, Georgia. Residents voiced their frustrations about a company allegedly trespassing on private property and cutting down trees that were not damaged by Hurricane Helene, raising questions about accountability and transparency.

One resident, who chose to remain anonymous, detailed their experience with the company, claiming they were motivated by profit rather than necessity. "They just cut the tops off of our trees. They were not anywhere near the power lines," the resident stated, emphasizing that the trees were healthy and part of a planned harvest. This action not only disrupted their property but also diminished their potential revenue from timber sales.

The resident highlighted a significant communication breakdown within the county, stating, "The structure of communication system or lack thereof for the public to access information here in Appling County is simply lacking." They expressed frustration over unanswered calls and emails, noting that while interim county manager Mike and another staff member, Robin, were responsive, the overall system failed to provide adequate support.

The issue extends beyond this single property, with the resident indicating that others in the community have faced similar problems. They mentioned the presence of equipment from a rental company and questioned whether subcontracting practices contributed to the confusion and lack of oversight.

As the meeting progressed, community members urged local leaders to address these concerns and improve communication channels to prevent future incidents. The resident concluded, "We wanted to come and let the community of Appling County know about this issue because it's not just our property; it's affecting others too."

The meeting underscored the need for better regulatory practices and community engagement to ensure that residents are informed and protected from unauthorized actions that impact their properties.