McKay Park trees rotting, dying, coming down

For many years, McKay Park has featured several large cottonwood trees providing shade and beauty to park users.

During planning for upcoming park construction which is part of the Colorado Dam Safe Passage project, the trees were evaluated by a certified arborist.

The arborist found that most of the large cottonwoods are diseased and/or rotting and pose a hazard to park users from potential falling of large branches or entire trees, the Bend Park and Recreation District said Tuesday.

As a result, these cottonwoods and other dead or dying trees in the park will be removed. The tree removal is planned over the next eight days, starting Wednesday.

“Unfortunately, the affected trees need to be removed due to branch, trunk and/or base decay which pose a safety hazard for visitors,” said Project Manager Chelsea Schneider.

“The trees may appear healthy, yet inspections show they are not,” Schneider said. “One tree even has four railroad spikes in an old wound crevasse and a column of decay 21 inches in diameter in its center.

“It would not make sense to try to construct around the trees, as they would continue to be a significant risk to park and river users, and eventually die from their decayed condition. Working with a certified arborist, the district has made the decision to remove the trees.”

The tree removal has been permitted through the Waterway Overlay Zone review process with the city of Bend. After removal, the trees will be re-purposed in river bank restoration.

As part of McKay Park’s construction, the district will plant new shade trees in the park.

For additional information on McKay Park and the Colorado Dam Safe Passage project, visit www.bendparksandrec.org.