Rationale behind tree trimming and thinning process at campgrounds explained

Chip Neyome

11/12/2003 12:00:00 AM

The Saginaw Chippewa Campgrounds, located at 7529 E. Tomah Road, has been a favorite place of community members for over 35 years.

Countless community gatherings of all varieties have utilized the "Hill" and its facilities. The campgrounds have both grown and been renovated over the years.

The most recent renovations included the bath and shower house, which remains in good condition. Additionally, the RV electrical hookups were upgraded to provide more 30 amp and 50 amp sites.

Despite these improvements, the campground was in need of further development. When the facility opened this spring, there were a large number of downed trees and limbs that obstructed sites, roads and picnic areas. The staff worked continuously to clean and remove debris and found the job to be endless.

During mid season, the campground staff removed 30 dead and dying trees from key areas. It was obvious that the trees had been neglected for several years. Many of them were dying from overgrowth and density problems, others were damaged by wind and left unattended which led to further problems.

It was discovered that there was not a trimming program in place and that no sanitation cutting had been performed in over 30 years. A bidding process took place and F&K Tree Trimming was selected to perform a sanitation cutting and thinning program that would ensure the long term health of our favorite gathering place.

The removal of so many trees is disturbing and is hard to accept, but their conditions warranted their removal.

What may ease the eye of visitors is the addition of several new trees that will be planted soon. Some of these trees include Colorado blue spruce, crimson king maples, starburst maple, dogwoods and a few redbuds. These trees will be planted to replace those that were removed. Placing trees in the proper location is critical in developing a long term tree maintenance plan.

The removal of trees has created additional opportunities for the campground staff to make other improvements. The most notable visual change will come after the leveling of uneven areas and the addition of grass. Most of the area below the tree canopy has been covered with the leaves and this destroyed all grass growth. Additional light is now available to start grass seed and maintain quality turf. This grass will help control water runoff during storms and improve drainage.

Sites are now being redeveloped and the location of picnic tables, fire pits and trash barrels will be determined. The larger RVs can now travel through the campground without damaging their vehicle.

Within two years the current campground trees will begin to fill out and create a beautiful canopy for the Hill. The new trees and grass will grow and help fill in the now vacant areas. Water drainage will be redirected and controlled. Sites will be furnished with the necessary amenities and you will also find areas to have family picnics that will include new charcoal grills. The play area will be repaired and protected from motorcycle traffic.

The Hill has a history of hosting our events and with the proper care and maintenance it will always be available to the community in top condition.