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~ ~ ~ ~ <br /> ' i. <br /> i <br /> larch 18, 1999 <br /> ONTACT: Ma k Snyder, Urban Forester, 682-4800 <br /> rom Public Info ation Section, 682-5523 <br /> OR IMMED TE RELEASE <br /> I <br /> i <br /> ARGE MAPLE POSES HAZARD ON RIVERSIDE BIKE PATH <br /> ~I <br /> A sectio of the riverside bike path near Owen Rose Garden has been closed temporarily for <br /> I <br /> public safety rea ons while City officials determine how best to deal with spreading cracks in a large <br /> i <br /> maple tree that o erhangs the bike path. Bicyclists and pedestrians are urged to avoid the cordoned-off <br /> i <br /> urea around the t ee and use the detour through Owen Rose Garden <br /> The big- eaf maple, which is about 75 feet tall, has two cracks in its trunk. Reference marks on <br /> ;the tree's main li bs have spread about 2 inches over the past nine months, and a consulting arborist on <br /> i <br /> Wednesday advi ed City Urban Forester Mark Snyder that the tree is an "immediate hazard." Based on <br /> I <br /> Ithe consultants' port and staff observations, Snyder on Wednesday afternoon closed the South Bank <br /> Bike Path adjace t to Owen Rose Garden and ordered the tree posted for removal if that turns out to be <br /> I <br /> the only reasona le option. <br /> ~I <br /> Recogni ing the cultural and scenic significance of the 80-year-old maple, Snyder and other <br /> i <br /> Public Works st fare attempting to meet with several local arborists, including a representative from <br /> the Eugene Tree oundation, to see what options may exist for protecting the safety of residents who use <br /> I <br /> (the popular park nd bike route. Snyder said the hazardous situation must be dealt with quickly because <br /> i <br /> of the danger to he public and the additional strain that will be put on the tree when it leafs out. <br /> However, he sai no cutting will occur until he has had a chance to consider alternatives. <br /> (more) <br /> <br /> Publlic Works • Admini tration .City of Eugene • 858 Pearl .Eugene, OR 97401-2727 • Phone: (541) 682-5262 • FAX (541) 682-6826 <br /> <br />