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HAMMITT Bob <br /> From: SHUTT Gene <br /> To: KELLER Barbara A <br /> Cc: BASCOM Ruth F; HAMMITT Bob; PLAMONDON Scott F; ANDERSEN Chris F <br /> Subject: Tree Removal at Masonic Cemetery <br /> Date: Friday, September 01, 1995 3:44PM <br /> Hi Barbara. I'm the Maintenance Manager in Public Works Maintenance and take over some of Bob <br /> Hammitt's duties in his absence. Earlier this week we had a tree - cutting situation within your ward that <br /> you should be aware of. The location is within the Masonic Cemetery near 25th and Potter and the <br /> situation is as follows: <br /> Last week our Urban Forester, Scott Plamondon, was contacted by two Masonic representatives (Roxanne <br /> ( ?), and Kay Holbo) regarding their intent to remove some dead and dangerous fir trees within the <br /> cemetery. Scott was told there were four trees planned for removed because of their poor condition. <br /> Several months ago Scott had done an assessment of the trees in the cemetery and knew there were <br /> several trees that had split trunks, some that were leaning toward neighboring properties and at least one <br /> on an embankment with severely exposed roots. Also, no tree cutting permit is required if the number <br /> earmarked for removal is "five or Tess ". Considering the explanation he was given, his previous assessment <br /> of the trees, and that less than five trees were to be removed, he told Roxanne and Kay that removal was <br /> o.k. They apparently made some sort of and arrangement with a logger to do the removal, and payment <br /> would be in the form of salvaging the fir trees which were to be removed. <br /> As I understand things, once the logger was on site, he pointed to some other unhealthy trees and said <br /> they should be removed as well, and since he was on -site, he should do the removal while the equipment <br /> and labor was available. The cemetery representatives agreed with him, and 8 large trees (six fir and two <br /> oak) were removed as opposed to four. Since more than five were cut, a permit should have been <br /> obtained. Additionally, he was contacted by a property owner bordering the cemetery and asked if he <br /> would take down three trees on their property. He agreed to the removal and cut them down as well. <br /> Although the property owner didn't need a tree cut permit, the perception of others is that all trees <br /> removed came out of the cemetery. <br /> Since the trees were mostly large firs, the 11 trees became 30 (or more) logs once they were bucked into <br /> logs which could be hauled on a logging truck. Some area residents were rightfully upset, and contacted <br /> Scott who went to the site on Wednesday, August 30. A little bit of what Scott told me leads me to <br /> believe the logger somewhat obnoxious and outspoken as he was in the process of hauling away the firs. <br /> Altlhough Scott was unable to match up Togs to stumps, he looked at the condition of the trees (now logs) <br /> and at the stumps. The trees ranged from 44" in diameter to 21" in diameter and averaged about 34 ". <br /> Scott's observations were that all tree's had problems to varying degrees and he would probably have <br /> granted their removal, but as things fell into place he wasn't given that opportunity. <br /> The news media has been contacted and Scott was interviewed by the Register Guard this morning, so <br /> there is a good chance there will be something in the R.G., this weekend. I thought everyone might like <br /> some advance information about this issue, before it hits the newspaper. <br /> While Scott would normally be doing this briefing, he has a familiy related situation he needs to handle. <br /> I'm sure my information isn't nearly as detailed as Scott's would be, but it's the best I have at this time, <br /> and until Scott is able to do a more thorough investigation upon returning from compassionate leave. <br /> Page 1 <br />