By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Co-Editor
TOMAHAWK – At its meeting at City Hall Tuesday, Sept. 3, the City of Tomahawk Common Council approved a request from the Park and Recreations Committee to exceed the budgeted amount for tree removal services in Bradley Park to clean up damage done by this summer’s severe weather. The request, approved unanimously by the Council, allocates an extra $3,000 for the efforts.
“The (Bradley Park storm damage clean-up) project consists of the removal of approximately 40 trees (mostly red pine), brush and debris associated with the removal as well as stump removal and clean up,” stated John Cole, City of Tomahawk Director of Public Works.
Two entities submitted bids for the project. Tassler Timber Products won the bid at $5,000.00, with approval from the Park and Recreations Committee.
“The reason we needed to adjust our budget was that this is an overage that we did not plan for, so it had to go to committee for approval of funds,” he said.
Work at Bradley Park should begin sometime after this week’s Fall Ride, possibly by the first week of October, if not sooner, Cole noted. He added that the trees will be taken down “with the utmost care as not to damage too many trees along the way. There will certainly be a few extra trees that will come down to facilitate some of the bigger ones, but will be held to a minimum.”
Cole said he wants the public to understand that the trees being taken down are for the safety of the public and the park facilities. “We (City of Tomahawk) do not take this lightly as we understand how much passion the public has for Bradley Park and the beautiful trees that abound in the park.”
“My hope is that it will help with the overall forest management plan for Bradley Park,” he continued. “I have confidence that Tassler Timber Products will do a good job for us, as they have the resources and equipment to deal with large tree felling and logging. They are fully insured and will take all the safety precautions needed to secure safe work zones.”
Cole encourages anyone with questions or comments about the work to contact him at 715-966-0607, noting he will make sure the public is informed of work dates ahead of time.
Those with a rental or party at the park scheduled for this fall are encouraged to contact City Hall at 715-453-4040 for an update of work being done.
“I want to thank the public for their support and apologize for any inconvenience it may create,” Cole concluded.