Tree removed from Haw US 64 access

Posted on Posted in Announcement, Conservation, Officer Report
Bobby Tompkins, right, cuts down the horizontal tree at the U.S. 64 access on the Haw while Alton Chewning assists. The sturdy maple turns into a strainer at higher water levels.
Bobby Tompkins, right, cuts down the horizontal tree at the U.S. 64 access on the Haw while Alton Chewning assists. The sturdy maple turns into a strainer at higher water levels.

Thanks to William Holman, Bobby Tompkins, Alton Chewning and Paul Joffrion, the horizontally growing tree at the U.S. 64 access on the Haw has been removed.

Paddlers showed up with ropes, chainsaws and a goal of cutting down the tree Saturday morning (Oct. 17, 2020.) At higher water levels, the sturdy maple turned into a strainer.

William Holman attaches a rope to a tree at the U.S. 64 access on the Haw River.
William Holman attaches a rope to a tree at the U.S. 64 access on the Haw River.

Part of the trunk was left to allow new growth that will keep the root system alive.

“The stump will likely produce new stems that will grow upright anyway, so the roots won’t die and will maintain the stability of the bank,” Matt Jones with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service in Chatham County said in an email.

Paddlers also removed a dead, vine-covered tree just downstream of the staircase.This tree could also become a hazard when water levels rise.

Bob Brueckner
Conservation Chair
Carolina Canoe Club