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Mar 19, 2008 3:47 pm US/Central
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Local Tree Farmer Could Lose Land To Pipeline
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 News) ―
Fort Worth tree farmer Keith Johannson thinks of his trees like they are children. He nurtures them, talks to them, and has even been known to hug them. "It's a labor of love," he said. "This tree is my baby. It's got a nice-looking leaf." Even more weird, he added, "Actually, I think they talk to me."
Johannson owns and operates
Metro Maples, which grows and sells maple trees to consumers. But now, he is worried that a gas utility company is going to uproot his tree farm business.
XTO Energy wants to place a 663 foot gas pipeline right through his property. "They've told me this is the only place they can go," Johannson said. "When I ask them why, they won't tell me why."
Johannson refused to grant XTO Energy an easement. Now, the company is threatening to take away three of his six acres. Landmen have even claimed imminent domain on the property, he said. "They don't want to seem to go away or listen to me."
According to Johannson, if XTO Energy takes away over half of his land, it will destroy the ecosystem that he has built in order to grow his maple trees, including the tall oak trees that protect them. "The wind could blast here so fast, it's going to slow the growth down," he said.
Johannson told CBS 11 News that XTO Energy plans to take him to court. He intends to fight for his land, because thse trees are a part of him. "Every tree that I sell," Johannson explained, "I personally look at and check the roots on it, and they're all the best I can do."
CBS 11 News tried to contact XTO Energy on Wednesday, but calls were not returned.
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