In recent days, a large area of small trees near Booth Memorial Avenue in Kissena Park, Flushing, New York, was deliberately destroyed, with nearly 300 trees damaged. It appears that the perpetrators were creating paths for dirt bikes or all-terrain vehicles. On April 15th, Council Member Grace Meng, along with the New York City Parks Department Commissioner and the head of the NYPD’s Queens North Command, held a press conference at the site, condemning the destruction and urging the public to provide any leads to solve the case.
Located near the Kissena Park Velodrome Parking Lot, accessible from the intersection of Booth Memorial Avenue and Parsons Boulevard in Flushing, this wooded area is part of a large-scale reforestation project in Kissena Park as indicated on the park’s planting sites map by the Parks Department. Since 2022, park staff and volunteers from Kissena Synergy have been planting small tree saplings in this area. However, a week ago, volunteers received reports of tree destruction. Upon inspection last Wednesday on April 10th, they found their hard work of planting small saplings painstakingly uprooted or flattened, with holes dug into the ground and mounds of soil apparently used for off-road practice. Witnessing years of effort gone to waste left them deeply saddened and outraged.
Council Member Grace Meng mentioned that around 2,000 tree saplings were planted in the area, but nearly 300 of them were destroyed a week ago, resulting in at least $15,000 in economic losses. She emphasized that destruction of public property could constitute a serious crime.
Upon observation at the scene, reporters noted scattered small tree saplings with pink ribbons, some toppled over, some completely pulled out by the roots, showing a significant decrease compared to previous photos.
Parks Department Commissioner Sue Donoghue expressed that hundreds of young plants and shrubs were destroyed, not only harming the environment but also crushing the efforts of staff and volunteers. The damage was suspected to be related to creating paths for off-road biking. Currently, park enforcement personnel are collaborating with the police department to investigate and identify the culprits, while also encouraging the public to report any illegal activities witnessed.
Kip Stein, the Director of Natural Area Management (Environment and Planting) at the Parks Department, explained that this area is part of the park’s restoration zone. Previously covered in porcelain berry vines, the vegetation was relatively uniform. However, various tree species were later planted to transform it into a mature native forest, providing habitat for birds, enhancing rainwater absorption, and yielding other ecological benefits.
Leona Chin, a volunteer involved in planting and maintenance in the area, stated that the saplings were planted closely, about four feet apart. Besides planting, they conducted weed control, mulching, and other maintenance tasks, dedicating four to five days per week within the park with multiple teams. Upon receiving reports of destruction on Tuesday, she visited the site on Wednesday to find many saplings flattened. She expressed deep anger, stating, “We invested time and several years for them to grow like this… We are very upset, our hearts are broken.” They set up barriers as clues for any return of the destroyers, noticing traces being cleared on Thursday. Although the barriers remained, it was evident that someone had visited the site on Sunday, as early Monday morning revealed the area had been cleaned up.
Christine Bastedenbeck, head of the NYPD’s Queens North Command Center, urged the public to provide leads to solve the case. She advised that if anyone sees suspicious individuals, they can report to the Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-577-8477. In case of people operating ATVs or dirt bikes, they can also dial 911 or inform local Neighborhood Coordinators.
责任编辑: 陈玟绮