Tree Removal

There are several phases of tree removal that we expected. Instead, just like the project phases, they’ve all been lumped together.

On Friday, May 14, tree removal was in full swing in Phase 2, Phase 1 removal markings were clarified and removal started May 25.

Large well equipped crews are taking many trees very quickly.

See bottom section Sequence of Events for more info…

To get an idea of how rapidly they can take down trees see the Destruction Begins post.

Early removal

The early removal, a year in advance, was for Utility Relocation and Bat Trees in the Construction Zone.  It is ironic that trees were chopped down to make way for a telephone pole.  Old trees that made good habitats for endangered bats can only be removed when they hibernate from November to April.

Unexpected Removal

Even though no work is expected in Phase 2 this year and not even early next year, trees were tagged with blue ribbons recently as they were done for Phase 1.  They went even further and tagged a fence near the drive apron and a lamp post near a driveway.

On Thurs May 13th Tree Removal occurred near Thornbury and Windy Hill in Phase 2.

There must be a reason, but it surely isn’t apparent.  The interim schedule shows no work in that area and none would be expected this year.  The following removals were expected before any in Phase 2.  On one property a tree was skipped because a car was parked next to it, only to be cut the next day.

Trees were removed, but not the stumps. The project calls for stump removal too.

Temp Road Removal

The installation of a 2 lane temp road on the south side will necessitate removal, regrading, and road bed preparation.  This would be expected first since the rest of the temp road preparation will take time.

Construction Removal

Trees on the north side or at side streets going into Bainbridge Rd will be removed to make room for grading, road work, or sidewalks.  These removals don’t have the lead time needed that those that are needed for the temp  road preparation do.

Could Happen At Any Time

The important message from this unexpected removal is that it can happen at any time now that the temp esmt and tree removals are marked.  The tree removal isn’t being done by the main contractor, its being done by a tree service so their schedule is independent of the construction crew (other than finishing before the construction activity starts).

Recent events make all tree removal likely very soon. The phases outlined above seem to have been collapsed and accelerated.

At some point there was supposed to be a 2 week notification from the county, instead there was none.  The interim plan (Apr to Aug) did not mention tree removal.  I’d encourage anyone who sees a tree removal crew to question them as to their plans so the rest of us have an idea what to expect.  You may want to express your concerns to your Councilman, the Public Works Committee, and at the Council Meeting.  The Public Works Director, City Engineer, and County Field Office can also be contacted.

Sequence of Events

• Tue May 11, marking of Phase 2 tree removal
• Thurs May 13th Tree Removal occurred near Thornbury and Windy Hill in Phase 2.
• Friday, May 14, tree removal was in full swing in Phase 2, Phase 1 removal markings were clarified and removal there is expected soon also.
• Mon, May 17, tree cutting continued in Phase 2 despite the rain. Stumps are also being ground.
• Friday, May 21, tree cutting continued at the end of Phase 2, most homes have been cut only a few remain.  About 100 more trees will be cut on the north side near the the high voltage lines.
• Tue, May 25 tree cutting started west of Liberty, primarily on the south side.
• Wed, May 26 tree cutting continued, the PD newspaper was on the road
• Thur, May 27 TV media on the road, tree cutting has stopped for now
• Fri, June 4, Tree cutting resumed in Phase 2 after being absent for a week
• Mon, June 7, finished Phase 2 except for one stand of 110 trees, finished Phase 1 south, started on Phase 1 north from Liberty to Huntington.
• No tree activity has occurred since June 9.

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