400-year-old tree in its last days

A ponderosa pine tree in Creekside Park is in its final days. The towering old pine has been slowly dying, and foresters have decided it will have to come down.

The City of Sisters Forestry Board made that decision last week, on the recommendation of contract forester Dan Galecki. Galecki's report stated that "this tree is an extreme hazard. It should be eliminated immediately. Its ailments and peculiarities were observed for two years, and its condition is now deteriorating rapidly... It is very unfortunate. It is believed this tree is about 400 years old."

That would mean the tree sprouted about the time the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth.

"We don't take this lightly," Galecki told The Nugget. "But it's becoming more and more obvious that this is becoming increasingly a huge threat."

The tree is located close to Whychus Creek, perhaps 40 yards downstream from the footbridge. If it fell, it could reach paved paths in the park.

The upper part of the tree is dead, and Galecki noted excessive dripping pitch, indicative of an old injury.

"The large tree has a substantial and dangerous lean," the forester noted.

The removal will happen pretty soon.

"I suggested this winter or spring - before spring really kicks in," Galecki told The Nugget.

He thinks the tree should come down before spring weather softens up the ground or winds kick up that could push the old tree over.