Roxana resident sues city claiming violation of Wrongful Tree Cutting Act; Suit seeks in excess of $50K

A Roxana resident is suing the city for allegedly cutting down trees on his property without his permission.

Kurt Wrischnik filed a lawsuit against the Village of Roxana April 8 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Wrischnik, who owns a house in the 100 block of West 2nd Street, claims the Village of Roxana hired a tree-cutting service to cut down two trees on his property in February. Wrischnik says the city removed the trees without his permission which, he contends, violates Illinois' Wrongful Tree Cutting Act.

Wrischnik is asking the city to pay for an appraisal to determine the value of the cut trees. He seeks damages in the amount of three times the appraised value of the trees in addition to court costs, a total believed to be in excess of $50,000.

Attorney Edward W. Unsell of East Alton represents Wrischnik.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-561