If you have been using the new Cypher Systems Group Greenway the last couple of days, you may have noticed workers bringing down trees.
Over 100 trees, mostly dead Ash and Elm trees, have been taken down as part of an effort to make the trail safer for users.
"Trees are assessed and any that have structural issues; rot, physical damage, or large dead branches that overhang the trail create a safety issue," says Kevin Money, Essex Region Conservation Authority director of conservation services.
Trees are regularly inspected along Essex County's network of trails to minimize public risk.
Money says there are lots of reasons why trees may become unsafe.
"We often have trees just come down on their own, like after a big wind storm or after a thunderstorm," he says. "You can't control these things, but our job is to try within reason to mitigate that hazard."
Fortunately, the authority says it has never had an incident where a tree fell on a person or structure, largely because efforts are taken to remove trees that could pose that risk.
The logs will be left behind along the trail.
"We do just let them just sit on the site and enrich the soil. We consider that part of the natural habitat," says Money.
The Cypher Systems Group Trail connects with the Chrysler Greenway in Essex and extends 22 km to Amherstburg.
