EERC Tree: Difference between revisions

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On August 17, 2010, the EERC Tree was cut down. The following letter was [http://www.admin.mtu.edu/urel/ttoday/previous.php?issue=20100818&amp;id=10768&amp;nav=1#2 published] as explanation.

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"&quot;We cut it down before it fell down,"&quot; says John Rovano, director of Facilities.

Rovano says he might have to find someone to coordinate how the wood is used, for the downed tree yielded several logs that are in demand. Rovano says he's receiving requests for using the wood for benches in the Memorial garden; maybe a wood sculpture for the campus; or a decorative element in a fraternity. "&quot;It'll have more of a life after it's gone than before,"&quot; Rovano jests.

He doesn't know whether the tree's location in the middle of the lower campus was "&quot;intentional or accidental."&quot; But, he adds, "&quot;We'll make its replacement a centerpiece."&quot;

The Grounds crew, then, will plant another white pine in its place. Facilities will bring water for irrigation and electricity for lighting, perhaps year-round. "&quot;We'll do the space some justice,"&quot; Rovano says.

Forester/Lecturer James Schmierer (SFRES) says the tree is a remnant of extensive stands of large trees in Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota. He calls it "&quot;a long-lived species,"&quot; reaching 300 years and more.

"&quot;Anytime you have an isolated tree surrounded by hardscape, it's a challenging environment,"&quot; he says. Hazard tree removal? "&quot;Welcome to the world of urban forestry,"&quot; he advises. He is gratified that it'll be replaced by another white pine.

"&quot;People get sentimentally attached to big, old trees,"&quot; he says. "&quot;Sometimes the emotions get overwhelming."&quot;

"&quot;I've walked by that tree many times,"&quot; he says. "&quot;It's a shame to see it go. But I put on my safety hat and I understand. There are people on campus who are responsible for safety. That can involve unpopular decisions, but you can't go against your mandate--your duties."&quot;

Its start was modest, its life long, and its end abrupt. Once a landmark, it will now be a hallmark of the passage of time and the cycle of life, something that grew along with the institution. Mark Dion, a 1983 alumnus from Houston, says, "&quot;I recall the tree's big beauty. Such is life--an ending and a beginning."&quot;

Mike Hyslop (SFRES) has a cross section--called "&quot;a cookie"&quot;--of the tree. Using software, he will be able to count the rings to within a year or two. The big question: Is the tree as old as Tech?

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http://www.admin.mtu.edu/urel/ttoday/previous.php?issue=20100909&amp;utm_source=email&amp;utm_content=20100909#1

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