Protecting a big pine

Bo Hill and the tree he saved. Photo by Conrad Weiler

Today there is a tree standing at Black Butte Ranch, saved by the efforts of Bob Hill, a 10-year resident at the Ranch.

Hill sought to save a ponderosa pine injured in a wind storm a few seasons back. A nearby ponderosa came down during the storm, so he quickly obtained a sign, put it on the standing tree, and spared it from being cut down.

The sign read: "Wildlife Tree. Help us protect it. This tree has been saved to provide wildlife cover and habitat. Please do not cut or disturb.ODFW and cooperating landowner."

As president of the Ranch architectural review committee, Bob got support for his project.

The majestic 200-year-old tree, located adjacent to the tennis courts near the Lodge gift shop, today towers 90 feet above ground. Since the wind storm, the tree has also gained a perch for ospreys to nest. It took the BBR fire truck ladder and Sisters Tree Service to place the perch on top of the ponderosa.

"There are no ospreys nesting yet," said Hill, "but I look up there with hope every time I'm in the area. I got the idea from osprey platforms along Century Drive in Bend and those near the entry bridge in Corvallis as well as the eagle platform at the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery in Camp Sherman."

Ospreys and eagles have been sighted at nearby Phalarope Lake, so there is hope.

"There have been no complaints about Bob's project and saving the ponderosa pine," said Ranch manager Loy Helmly.

Bob and his wife June Hill have been active leaders with the Friends of BBR for seven years, providing speakers and refreshments at the group's meetings.

Besides the meetings, the group has sponsored tree plantings, thinning and cleanup activities.

"Bob is fabulous to be around," said Bill Burkart who now leads the group's tree-thinning activities at BBR.

"He is very thoughtful, weighs in with his opinion and is an active volunteer."