Man cuts a tree.
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MySA
By Gabriel Romero
A community in the Texas Hill Country is outraged following the removal of a historic landmark over the weekend. The Founders Tree in Kerrville, that's been around longer than the town's existence, is now only a memory.
Kerrville Councilman and historian Joe Herring Jr. shared over the weekend that The Founders Tree was cut down. The tree had resided in Kerrville since the 1850s, according to the Facebook post.
"All for progress and a few shekels," Herring said in the post. Kerrville community members were in shock when they heard the news and shared their thoughts on the historic tree getting taken down.
Melinda Dow said in the comments, "So, sad! This should be a crime." Sasha Ryno echoed those sentiments, "Very disgusting, that tree still had lots of life and y'all cut it down you should be ashamed."
Michael Nowicki added, "I am in no way a tree hugger, but that was a beautiful majestic tree. I am sad that I never got to see it. I am angry I never got to sit under and catch a cool breeze in the amazing shade it must have provided. Sad day for the universe."
The tree was located next to Herring Printing Company in Kerrville.
Kerrville Public Information Officer Stuart Cunyus told MySA in an email that the tree was on private property and the owner didn't need City Council permission to take it down. There are no projects the city is considering at the location, he added in the email.
The tree was taken down on Saturday, August 5, by the Cailloux Foundation, according to a Kerr County Lead report. A worker told the news outlet the tree was being taken down because "it's too big."
MySA reached out to Cailloux Foundation and Herring for comment.