When loggers set to work on the morning of April 29, to begin clearing an approximately two-mile expanse of woods along Hudson Street, stretching from the back of St. Frances Xavier Church to the Aldi on 4th Avenue, they found signs posted along the border of the site: “WARNING: Trees have been spiked. Proceed with CAUTION.” A team equipped with metal detectors confirmed that although not every tree had been spiked, a significant number were, and, citing safety concerns, operations were halted for the day. Earlier this week, Creekwood PD arrested Ryan Schultz, 19, Darren Johnson, 18, and Beatrice O’Connor, 18, in connection to the incident. All three are students at Maynard High School, and could be heard discussing their plans openly in the halls in the days prior to the incident, according to an unnamed sophomore. The suspects, all seniors, are expected to graduate later this month. According to Maynard principal, Craig Chenoweth, “It’s unclear whether we will allow them to walk” at the commencement ceremony next week. Other teachers spoke highly of the students. “They’re really great kids, and I would have said they had bright futures ahead of them, before this,” said history teacher Anthony Mason. Amelia Huang, who teaches science at Maynard, said, “It’s a shame, and obviously I don’t support what they did, but it’s still nice to see young people who are passionate about the environment. I’ve known Bea for years, and… she has the makings of a real leader for change. I’m surprised she was involved, and I wish they would have applied themselves differently.” CONT. ON NEXT PG.  

CONT. FROM LAST PG. CPD has also obtained evidence, in the form of SMS conversation records from the month of April. The text messages implicate Schultz and Johnson, at the very least; by the time O’Connor joined their cause, they had begun to speak only face-to-face, in order to avoid leaving a paper trail. However, once arrested, all three teens confessed immediately. “I don’t think there’s any point in hiding it anymore,” Schultz said. “I want people to pay attention. We already did it, and they can’t stop us after the fact.” The act of spiking trees gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, as a form of protest. Tree spikes are easily caught in sawblades and other logging equipment, damaging and often destroying them. They’re also incredibly dangerous to the workers who operate that machinery. Tree spiking is officially recognized by the state of Pennsylvania as an act of eco-terrorism, punishable by up to five years in prison, or a $20,000 fine. The trial is slated for Wednesday, June 10. As for the woods on Hudson Street, they will remain standing, for the time being. According to the mayor’s office, the city has been having trouble finding a new contractor who is willing to remove the stakes and proceed with the scheduled clearing of trees from the area.