To the editor;
In the late spring of 2016 we were returning to Clearwater from Barriere during a severe windstorm.
Just north of Little Fort traffic was stopped because of a very large cottonwood tree that had been blown down across the highway. The tree was over two feet through where it hit the centre line of the road.
Fortunately it had not fallen across a vehicle or it would very likely have caused serious or fatal injuries.
Over the past few months a lot of people have spent a lot of time, money and energy discussing the dangers of climate change and how to prepare for it.
This is important and I hold high regard for those involved in dealing with potential hazards it could bring.
Although I can see possible danger from this threat I believe there is an issue we need to address that is of greater concern on a daily basis than forest fires and floods. That issue is ‘danger trees’.
A ‘danger tree’ is defined as a tree that can cause potential damage to life or property when it falls.
In my opinion there are at least two places of special concern in our area: along Highway 5 between Blackpool and Little Fort, and the danger trees in and around our public school playgrounds, (Raft River Elementary is a good example).
I must admit the words, ‘danger tree’ doesn’t generate the same news coverage as a forest fire but that could change very quickly if one fell on a bus full of school kids or tourists.
Bob Mumford
Birch Island, B.C.
