Protesters gather for pre-dawn rally to save Oroville trees

OROVILLE, Calif. -

Protesters were out early Monday in Oroville, in the ongoing effort to save a group of about a dozen trees along Feather River Boulevard. The group named "Save Oroville Trees" was successful in stopping the tree-cutting for another day.

Early Monday around 3 a.m. PG&E crews arrived and set up equipment. Temporary fences were placed around the trees to keep the protestors away.

A crowd of approximately 100 protestors held a rally near Oroville Cemetery from 6 to 7 a.m.. The group has been standing watch over the trees after learning about PG&E's plans to chop down the 100-year-old oak and sycamore trees. The PG&E crews were setting up for the tree removal process, but did not proceed due to the protestors gathered nearby.

The Oroville police chief asked the protestors to leave, but they refused. After the hour-long rally that featured speakers and the playing of bagpipes, the tree crews relented and left.

A court hearing is slated for Wednesday, to discuss the issue. The debate over the tree removal has continued for two months.

PG&E said it needs to remove the elm and sycamore trees because their roots can damage gas lines along the road. But the protestors, led by group leader Billy Bynum said the trees pre-date the gas lines. They said PG&E should move the gas lines instead of removing the trees.

Last week PG&E revealed plans to add landscaping to the area after the trees are removed.

The two sides have been to court several times over recent weeks. In late December, PG&E obtained a restraining order, allowing the company to remove the trees and giving the utility a 30-foot buffer around the work site.

Another court hearing about the tree removal is scheduled for Wednesday.

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Protesters gather for pre-dawn rally to save Oroville trees