The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources plans to cut down 27 mature trees this week in Point State Park as part of an ongoing project to revamp the park's river promenades.

Contractors working on the project recommended the removal of the trees because they sit on top of water and sewer lines that are being upgraded, said Christina Novak, a spokeswoman for the department.

When the project is completed, the department will plant trees of another variety or multiple varieties to replace the honey locusts, she said.

Ms. Novak estimated the honey locusts, which are native to the area, have been growing since at least 1974, when the park's fountain was dedicated.

The department consulted with several foresters to decide if the trees would stay, but concluded last week that their location meant they had to be cut down.

Not only are the trees on top of water and sewer lines, Ms. Novak said, they sit on ground that is scheduled to be reshaped to allow water to drain more easily after flooding.

It would be difficult for the contractors to create such an incline without disrupting the honey locusts, she said.

"If we could protect them we would certainly hope to do that," she said.

The removal will begin this week. Ms. Novak estimated the trees would be replaced at the end of 2010, when work on the fountain is scheduled to be completed.

She said they will likely be replaced with other native trees, but not with more honey locusts, which have large thorns.

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