A group of North Burnaby residents has set up a blockade to stop a gas company crew from cutting down any more trees in their neighbourhood.
 
U.S.-based Kinder Morgan, which took over Terasen Gas earlier this year, is removing trees along Forest Grove Drive on Burnaby Mountain to gain better access to its gas pipeline.

So far, Kinder Morgan has cleared an area about two city blocks long.

Paul Blunden, who lives in the area, says it's wilderness area and he's not prepared to allow the work to continue.

"Most of us move here because of the ambiance and the beauty of the trees and the wilderness around us, and these trees are being cut down," he said. "Aesthetically it doesn't look good, and from a nature standpoint, it's just dreadful."

Kinder Morgan within its rights: spokesman

Blunden notes that the pipeline has changed hands several times since it was built about 50 years ago, and other companies didn't feel it necessary to remove the trees.

However, Kinder Morgan spokesman Jim Bain says the roots can damage the pipeline, and argues better access is necessary. 
 
"We have an easement through here which gives us certain rights through the National Energy Board in order for clearing and in order that we maintain a certain amount of pipeline safety that we have to do."

Bain says there are only about a dozen more trees to come down, and that the company plans to landscape the area once the tree cutting is finished.

However, the protesters say they'll continue to block the machines until the company agrees to sit down with them at a community meeting.