The City of Terrace has cut down a 104-year old tree downtown because of safety concerns.
The tree was first planted in 1915 by the city’s founder, George Little, on the corner of Lakelse Ave. and Emerson St.
“The tree was dying, and the average lifespan of a Norway Maple is 100 years, so it was definitely within the lifecycle of that tree that its time had come,” says Alisa Thompson, city corporate administrator. “Branches were falling off it and it was necessary to remove the tree.”
Though the city knew the tree was aging, a recent powerful windstorm heightened the need to take the tree down before it fell on its own. The tree is located in a public place close to local businesses in Terrace’s downtown.
“The wind storm definitely did factor into the decision,” Thompson says.
The city budgeted $200,000 in 2019 for boulevard enhancements on the 4600 and 4700 block of Lakelse Ave.. which includes efforts to bring in more urban trees, garbage cans and other amenities.
“We will continue to replace urban trees. People love them, and they’re important to the community,” she says. “No one likes to remove a tree, but it needed to happen.”
Right now it’s uncertain whether or not another tree will take the place of George Little’s Norway Maple once the trunk is removed.
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Residents do have an opportunity to own a portion of the century-old tree. Anyone wishing to collect or carve a piece can call the Sportsplex Administration at 250-615-3000 for more information.
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