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DRAFT <br /> September 8, 1997 <br /> TO: Johnny Medlin, Maintenance Support Manager <br /> FROM: Scott Plamondon, Urban Forester <br /> SUBJECT: Hazard Trees at Hendricks Park <br /> Johnny, I have completed my second round of inspection and review of the 18 hazard trees in <br /> Hendricks Park. <br /> As you know this has been a lengthy process taking over a year to complete. It began with the <br /> park staffs and local resident concern about the many tree failures occurring near the shelter. <br /> Park staff contracted with an consulting arborist to examine the trees and identify those which <br /> posed a potential hazard of falling. The arborist rated and identified 42 trees in the shelter area to <br /> have a fairly high degree of hazard potential. Upon further analysis with the resistograph and <br /> visual inspection of each tree, I narrowed the number of hazard trees to 18. <br /> Due to the level of citizen concern, their removal was postponed in order for the City to receive <br /> additional input from the community. These 18 trees were posted for removal in early July to <br /> allow an open citizen input at a public session held on July 17th at the park. This was followed <br /> by a meeting with a subgroup of attendees to inspect each of the 18 trees and give opinions as to <br /> support or opposition for each tree's removal. <br /> Subsequent to the citizens group meeting, I have met with two additional experts on the site who <br /> have inspected the trees and provided input and opinions as to the disease condition of the trees <br /> and their potential hazard. These experts were a Mr. Alan Kanaskie, Forest Pathologist for the <br /> Oregon State Department of Forestry and Mike Cloughesy, Forestry Extension Agent, for the <br /> Oregon State University Extension Service. Their opinions were summarized in the September <br /> 3rd memo from me to you. From their input and suggestions, we performed a root crown <br /> examination and have cored each of the 18 trees. <br /> Given this information and the fact that prediction of tree failure is not an exact science and <br /> leaves room for interpretation, it is not possible for anyone to guarantee which trees will stand <br /> over time and which will fall. Given all of the evidence and expert opinions received, I still feel <br /> the safest course of action to protect the lives and property of Eugene's citizens would be to <br /> remove all of these trees. Even though I am recommending the removal of the trees, some of the <br /> trees are in a more advanced state of decay and pose a more immediate hazard than others. <br />