Who is poisoning 'Up With Trees' along Tulsa's roadways?

Tulsa Police say they need a witness to help solve a case involving poisoned trees along Tulsa's roadways. <br><br>News on Six Reporter Emory Bryan says the police see a pattern in all these dead

Thursday, September 5th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa Police say they need a witness to help solve a case involving poisoned trees along Tulsa's roadways.

News on Six Reporter Emory Bryan says the police see a pattern in all these dead trees along the highway. Someone poisoned more than 300 trees, all over Tulsa - but they all have one thing in common - they all were blocking the view of a billboard.

The volunteers of "Up With Trees" work hard watering in the summer to keep young trees alive. Kara Owens, Up With Trees Volunteer: "I think it makes a lot of difference for the view, the scenery. They can't imagine why someone would intentionally kill the trees they're trying to save. Oh my goodness that's awful, I think that's sad, I would be really upset if I was out planting trees and then someone put chemicals out to kill them."

But that's what happening. Someone poisoned hundreds of trees planted by "Up With Trees". Trees of all sizes and species died over the summer, after someone poured a powerful poison on them. The leaders of Up With Trees have documented every case - and are helping police gather evidence for prosecution.

Jim Costas, Up With Trees: "Most of the trees that have been damaged today have been in the ground between 8 and 10 years, and the circumference of the tree is 8 to 10 inches, so the value has gone up several times, so we're talking $120, 130, $140,000." The police see a common pattern - the dead trees are all in the line of sight of billboards - all owned by Stokely Outdoor Advertising - one of Tulsa's largest billboard companies.

Every poisoned tree is near a billboard - and trees outside the line of sight were not poisoned. The police questioned billboard owner Bill Stokely. He denied any involvement - and told us - quote - "Stokely has supported Up With Trees and will continue. It's terrible. I hope they find whoever did this."

Up with Trees volunteer Kara Owens says she's got an idea of how to punish whoever did it. Kara Owens: "They ought to get out here and water them all day long."

To help encourage tips - Up with Trees is offering a $20,000 reward for information on who is poisoning Tulsa's trees. The number to call with information is 596-COPS.