Working Together to Maintain Local Trails

Volunteers Remove Dangerously Cracked Hemlock at Bonyun Preserve

Disclaimer: Do not attempt this without the help of a professional!

Despite these strange times, Kennebec Estuary Land Trust volunteers have been stepping up to help maintain trails, prepare mailings, and participating in citizen science programs. A dangerous split and leaning tree was reported recently over the Junction Trail Bridge at Bonyun Preserve in Westport Island.

Jimmy Wiles of Squam Creek Tree Service was there to answer the call, accompanied by several of our rock star volunteers: Archie Bonyun, Rich Lorenson, Dave Avery, and Dennis Dunbar.

The large, cracked Hemlock was safely taken down, led by Wiles efforts, he used a very large sling shot to get a leader and rope high up in the tree. The rope was then tied to a large white pine and a come-along was used to straighten the tree, leaning it towards a safe fall line.

The split trunk was then clinched together to stabilize it, resulting in a well executed and safe take down on Saturday. The team removed all the limbs and will return to haul the trunk to a safe place to pull on shore.

See the short video prepared by Archie Bonyun.  Great team effort!

THANK YOU for your continued support!