The hazard that I had brought to the attention of the municipality's works department, and just incidentally also contacted our member of municipal council about, remains a hazard. My original contact, complete with photographs to demonstrate just how much of a potential risk to the public a large old cracked pine presented was originally sent about a month and a half ago, after a strong rain-and-wind storm had impacted a pine that had been growing in a leaned-over position for many years.

The pine now had partially fallen over because of the extent of the crack, with its crown resting on top of two not-very-mature poplar trees, left to hold up the entire breadth and length of the injured tree. A good portion of the tree, if and when it falls, would come down directly on the trail. And since this is located on a major trail, it is obvious enough that the situation creates a dangerous site that should be given high priority in ameliorating.

It took a month before a crew was dispatched to evaluate the site, and the tree was marked with a large red "X", at which point we felt some relief, that it wouldn't be long before the tree was removed. Yesterday, as we made our way up the hill where the tree still leaned precariously, the prevailing wind had sufficient influence on it so that we heard prolonged creaking, and picked up our speed to pass the area.

And so, on return home, after having taken new photographs as evidence of our concern, I once again related the situation to our municipal councillor who always responds immediately, and who in turn conveyed the matter again to the forestry services. An email was then sent to me with the message that the tree would be removed within the next few days. Other ravine walkers have told us that trees marked for removal closer to where they gain access to the ravine sometimes languish in a threatening condition for periods up to years, before they are finally taken down.

We hope, in this situation, where the tree can no longer sustain itself as a result of the damage it sustained, this this won't be repeated. Given the circumstances and the gravity of what might occur if the tree fell on someone, the municipality is certainly leaving itself open to a costly and embarrassing lawsuit.