According to The Buffalo News, Highway Superintendent of Amherst Robert Anderson said that 2,000 of the town's most damaged trees "are absolutely coming down" this summer. Anderson explained that he would pursue a staged approach to cutting down the trees, which were ravaged by a snowstorm last October.

The deadline for federal cleanup aid is fast approaching, and if the town wants to get reimbursed for cutting, it must act soon. Amherst has until mid-October -- a year after the storm -- to remove the trees if it wants federal reimbursement. Arborists have recommended removing 8,210 trees in the town, with removal costs pegged at $3.3 million.

But town officials said they would seek the federal government's permission to wait a year before cutting the 6,000 trees that were deemed less damaged, in hopes the federal reimbursement will continue if they must be cut later. Officials are hoping that the extra time would give the weakened specimens a chance to show they can be revived.

Council Member William L. Kindel said: "Residents want the trees given a second chance. We should give it to them. And if they have to be taken down later, we'll take care of it on our own."