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Bond 1995
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FROM THE GROUNDS UP
By Groundskeeper, Frank Drengacz
October 2, 2000 Update
This month I would like to discuss the plant loss due to construction will start with the most visible, the London Plane trees at the new bus stop. Originally, all the trees were going to be saved. Then the unforeseen began to happen. The soil cut to accommodate the new sitting wall needed to be extended. This cut would impact six of the smallest trees. The finish cut would be within approximately 2-3' of the trunks. This would severely stress these trees. Healthy trees would weather the storm. These smaller trees were suffering though. I suspect they were infected with a root disease called anthracnose. With this disease it is only a matter of time before the trees would need to be removed. The decision was made to remove them now.
During excavation, the existing power for the parking lot was damaged beyond repair ( it wasn't where it was suppose to be). New conduit had to be run from the Health building. The only route for the new conduit was directly in the path of the western most Plane tree. So the tree had to sacrificed.
It was discovered that a storm drain, nearest the flag pole, had never been connected. The route of the new line would travel through the root zone of the largest Plane tree. I had requested that the new line be tunneled under the root zone. That was researched. It was determined the cost to tunnel under the root zone would be prohibitive. An open trench was dug. There was substantial root damage. There was not enough damage to kill the tree. There was enough damage, to the windward side of the root zone, to raise the possibility that the tree might not survive a significant wind storm. An arborist was consulted. He concurred. Consequently, the tree was removed. If it is any comfort to people, the trunks are going to be used at Child Care. They will be used for climbing structures.
A new free standing elevator will be installed by the Business building. A new walk will be constructed around the wood deck between Administration and Business. The plants in those beds were moved to the front of Air Tech.
A new door and sidewalk was installed at the northeast corner of the existing Science building. A daylily and a butterfly bush were in the path of the new walk. These plants were removed. The butterfly bush was about 6' tall. We did not save the butterfly bush because it is an invasive plant. It is starting to cause problems in some parts of Oregon.
Of course all the trees that have been and or will be removed are going to be replaced. They will not necessarily be replaced with the same varieties. Nor will trees be replanted in the same areas. The quantities to be replanted will be greater than those removed.
Since I am already depressed I might as well tell you that one of the mainstays of the grounds department is leaving. Angie is moving to the Portland area. She has been a work study student and part-time worker for about four years. She has been instrumental in all of the improvements of the campus grounds. We will miss her.
Go Titans
Questions and comments about any bond construction activity may be directed to 744-4154 or e-mailed to bond@lanecc.edu. All communication received will be regularly reviewed by the Bond Project Management Team (BPMT), the architects, and the Facilities Management Committee.
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