By Jeff Skrzypek

ALBANY, Ore. -- An Albany resident is demanding compensation from the Bonneville Power Administration after they cut down three trees that he believes were on his property.

Jerry Holifield says the BPA, along with Linn County Sheriff's deputies, cut down the trees across from his home on Monday to prevent them from interfering with power lines.  Holifield claims the trees were on his property and that he should be paid for the loss.

Officials with the Bonneville Power Administration say normally Holifield would be right.  Often, home owners are compensated for a tree being cut down in their yard.  Officials say sometimes  trees grow dangerously close to power lines.  If a branch connects with the electric line, officials say it could shut power off for many residents and possible cause harm to those in the area.

BPA officials say they were in the legal right to cut the trees and should not have to compensate Holifield.  BPA claims they conducted a legal survey one week before the incident to determine where the property line was.  But Holifield argues he has documents that shows he has paid property taxes on the land that extends beyond his BPA survey markers.