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Tree Removal Bill Introduced In Baltimore Council

BALTIMORE (AP) -- A bill has been introduced by Baltimore City Council members that they say would require proper notification before cutting down trees in the city.

The legislation proposed on Monday states that no person or city agency may remove a tree from a city street without providing notice. In August, residents signed an online petition opposing tree removal for the Baltimore Grand Prix. Racing officials at first said they planned to remove 136 trees but ended up removing fewer than 40.

Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, who is the bill's lead sponsor, and other supporters tell The Baltimore Sun that the bill would close the "loophole" that allowed contractors to cut down the trees in preparation for the race.

The bill does make an exception for emergency situations.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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