City Trees is a premier publication focused on urban + community forestry. In each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community and more!
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/566672
32 City Trees this understanding, protestors dispersed and the man unchained himself from the base of the tree. Bonner says, "Despite the emotions involved, the community was really quite reasonable and open to listening to the rationale behind the need for removal. This can be a hard thing to do when feelings run strong, but I think it made all the difference that public works officials were there to help the community understand the rationale As the City tree crew returned to the park to complete the removal work the following morning, they were greeted by a group of upset and vocal protestors, including a man who had chained himself to the trunk of the tree. More people began to gather to observe the excitement and soon the police department and public works offi- cials were dispatched to the park. This Italian stone pine was a favorite tree in the community due to its unique character defined by a branching architecture of large twisting lateral limbs, which swept low to the ground at several dramatic angles. This exceptional structure made the tree popular with local kids for climbing, and the tree had many natural perches that residents would use to enjoy movies in the park and other com- munity events. Families took their holiday photos with the Italian stone pine. For some people, this tree was a symbol of their com- mitment to their community and environment. The Solution Police Officers courteously request- ed that protestors gather at a safe distance from the tree outside the cordoned-off area, where public works officials and the city arbor- ist listened to citizen concerns. Protestors were angry about the removal of the tree, shouting and waving picket signs at City staff. Staff calmly listened and began to carefully answer questions regarding the tree's condition. City Arborist Bonner explained complex arboricultural concepts in simple terms and soon the group began to understand the imminent dan- ger posed by this hazardous tree. The conversation with the protes- tors shifted from the notion of sav- ing the tree to how best to reuse the tree's wood in a respectful way. The protestors and staff agreed to meet later in the week to discuss how best to utilize the wood. With Menlo Park kids helped envision the climbing structure and rustic couch and chair carved from sections of their former climbing tree. L AT E - B R E A K I N G N E W S ! The chainsaw carving in Fremont Park was just awarded the 2015 Astounding Urban Forestry Award by the California Urban Forests Council. This award is given to an organization or community which completed an urban forestry project that addressed two or more environmental or public safety issues, involved the community and/or other organizations or agencies, and signifi - cantly enhanced the urban forest and livability of the community.