The new, naked Sebastopol exit at 101

[Ted Pole]

I'm sure there was an explanation somewhere, but can anyone tell my why they cut down all the trees at the 116 exit? Are they doing it to prep for six-laning down from Santa Rosa? If so, why didn't they cut down the trees all the way instead of leaving a bunch of five-foot stumps.

It really looks like hell, or, rather, like any other exit on 101.
:xmastree::xmastree::xmastree::xmastree::xmastree::sweep:

[2Bwacco]

Don't know why the trees were cut (sorry that was done - I'm a fan of trees - see my post on the Ginkgo in Science & Spirit...)

The stumpy post was probably left in order to have something to grab onto for removal of the below-ground root structure...

["Mad" Miles]

I too mourn the redwoods at the 116/101 interchange. I noticed the ones next to the southbound onramp were wiped out a month or two ago.

Also the ones removed many months ago at the ramp from River Road onto 101 South.

Yes, they were all cut, and I imagine more are going to be cut, for 101 widening. If you read the paper they report the construction schedules and planned improvements. They don't focus on the tree slaughter.

Leaving the stumps is so the heavy equipment can rip out the roots.

I have wondered what happens to the wood. Is it milled? Pulverized? Dumped?

Will new trees be planted? So that in thirty or forty years redwoods along 101 will be seen again. Or are they a "bothersome" anachronism?

[Ted Pole]

Thanks, folks.

Glad to know why they left the butt ugly stumps, though I hope they can sell the trees to someone to maybe offset the costs just a bit. Or have a job corps group build picnic tables for rest stops or something. The idea that they'd just be pulverized or pulped seems really stupid.

So, will widening 101 from SR to S'pol take another 15 years?
:hmmm::Yinyangv:

["Mad" Miles]

Found this after a fairly quick google search.

https://www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/101centralproject/ (https://www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/101centralproject/)

The website also has a list of all projects in SonomaCo, as well as other NorCal counties. Specifically there's a link for the widening in Santa Rosa. That should answer your last question Ted, I haven't checked it out yet.

[n4rky]

Will new trees be planted? . . . Or are they a "bothersome" anachronism?

This is the part that really worries me. It seems like way too often, and I really mean, way too often, trees are removed before they ever get to be big, before they can ever be what trees should be. Along 101, what I noticed is that now we have an enhanced view of the vineyards beyond.

You all might have noticed I'm getting real tired of seeing all these vineyards. I didn't mind seeing them on an occasional trip through the Napa Valley, but now it seems like they're everywhere that hasn't been covered over with urban sprawl.

Thanks for the explanation that it is for freeway widening. I think the widening is needed (though it would be better if we could put money into functional mass transit instead), but it still sickens me to see those trees come down.

[fafner]

We had better get used to it. There are many in this world who will not be satisfied until all trees are cut and all mountains have been planed down to nothing. Fafner


I'm sure there was an explanation somewhere, but can anyone tell my why they cut down all the trees at the 116 exit? Are they doing it to prep for six-laning down from Santa Rosa? If so, why didn't they cut down the trees all the way instead of leaving a bunch of five-foot stumps.

It really looks like hell, or, rather, like any other exit on 101.
:xmastree::xmastree::xmastree::xmastree::xmastree::sweep:

[LenInSebastopol]

Thanks, MM. The link indicates it's $11 million dollars/mile to tear down the trees and pour.

Not reading well I would like to know what the following means, "In addition to the new lanes, the project will also provide new sound walls along the highway; will widen existing bridges at Copeland Creek, Laguna de Santa Rosa Creek; and will replace the interchange of Highways 101 and 116 and the Sierra Avenue and Railroad Avenue undercrossings."

I trust the word "replace" means they will not close these exits, but change them, thus the 40+ year old trees were removed. Gadz that peeves me! I could spit every time I have to drive by them. Such beauty!

[hales]

I think there should be a program to replant new trees, everytime one is cut down by CalTrans.. they cut a lot of mature oaks near the dump, on Stage Gulch Rd., or hwy. 116, between Sonoma and Petaluma, apparently for another widening project. That stretch of road is a real death trap, so no doubt something needed to be done, however, the road crosses a nice little creek several times and has many mature trees along side it, so there has been a very crude and destructive removal of trees, again, leaving the stumps.. it's so ugly and brutal looking, it make me feel like people are just getting more and more insensitive and violent.

[DebD]

I think there should be a program to replant new trees, everytime one is cut down by CalTrans.. they cut a lot of mature oaks near the dump, on Stage Gulch Rd., or hwy. 116, between Sonoma and Petaluma, apparently for another widening project. That stretch of road is a real death trap, so no doubt something needed to be done, however, the road crosses a nice little creek several times and has many mature trees along side it, so there has been a very crude and destructive removal of trees, again, leaving the stumps.. it's so ugly and brutal looking, it make me feel like people are just getting more and more insensitive and violent.

Everyone should be planting acorns. There are many mature oaks in the county, but not enough new sprouts. Cows and deer eat the sprouts. Voles can attack them at the base. People don't think about planting them.The little seedlings need protection till they get big enough.

To plant acorns, first collect them. then put in a tub of water. the ones that float, won't grow. Take the others keep them in a plastic bag in the fridge for a couple of months. Then plant them in the winter.Give them protection from the voles--either a hardware cloth or gopher chicken wire surround. Or, like the laguna keepers do--a plastic tubular protection.

I often plant a few together in the same place, so that there will eventually be one remaining that makes it. Some oaks grow rather quickly--Live oaks and valley oaks, especially.

[n4rky]

Everyone should be planting acorns.

They're such lovely trees, too. I tend to prefer dense forests, like redwood forests, but I have always admired the oaks that dot the land.

[Claire]

Thank you DebD for the acorn info. Now when you say voles, are you speaking generally as to include the gophers? For true gopher protection you need to sink gopher wire or hardware cloth down 18 in. I think, then remove it later so the roots don't become tangled and stunted.

That is worth doing if you really want to have some oaks in a particular spot, but Folks, don't let the extra work deter you. In the yard of our old farmhouse I brought in rocks for paths and little terrace walls, planted all sorts of wonderful shrubs and herbs and flowers, but my greatest accomplishment was to start young oaks all over the place, to bring that yard back into native balance. I would take walks and find the ground littered with acorns, stuff my pockets full and throw them around the yard into corners and bare spots. You are correct, they do grow fast. And they can sprout quite well on their own. If nothing else, just spread them around. Some will take, others will be eaten by the mice or squirrels. But surely one splendid, prolific oak doesn't need a zillion nuts beneath it. I was terrifically pleased with my beautiful new trees. It's my legacy to that hilltop.

Alas, I also have to look at the devastation of the grove at 116 and 101 and it's like a kick in the gut. Last year I had to see the trees cut and torn up all the way down from Windsor. Obviously, then, I am using 101 and part of the problem, but surely they could have figured out something to save some of them. It feels like such meanness and it's happening everywhere.

Plant a tree, plant dozens. Acorns are free and very willing to grow. And the Oaks need our help.


Everyone should be planting acorns. There are many mature oaks in the county, but not enough new sprouts. Cows and deer eat the sprouts. Voles can attack them at the base. People don't think about planting them.The little seedlings need protection till they get big enough.

To plant acorns, first collect them. then put in a tub of water. the ones that float, won't grow. Take the others keep them in a plastic bag in the fridge for a couple of months. Then plant them in the winter.Give them protection from the voles--either a hardware cloth or gopher chicken wire surround. Or, like the laguna keepers do--a plastic tubular protection.

I often plant a few together in the same place, so that there will eventually be one remaining that makes it. Some oaks grow rather quickly--Live oaks and valley oaks, especially.

[don]

Hi Deb et al

To give you some good news, some people DO plant trees, as an example, the Laguna Foundation and volunteers planted around 900 oak trees in the Laguna last fall alone :)

The magnificent oak trees take about 50 years to grow, another 50 years in their prime and then another 50 years to die.

Here's to the trees!
Cheers
don




Everyone should be planting acorns. There are many mature oaks in the county, but not enough new sprouts. Cows and deer eat the sprouts. Voles can attack them at the base. People don't think about planting them.The little seedlings need protection till they get big enough.

To plant acorns, first collect them. then put in a tub of water. the ones that float, won't grow. Take the others keep them in a plastic bag in the fridge for a couple of months. Then plant them in the winter.Give them protection from the voles--either a hardware cloth or gopher chicken wire surround. Or, like the laguna keepers do--a plastic tubular protection.

I often plant a few together in the same place, so that there will eventually be one remaining that makes it. Some oaks grow rather quickly--Live oaks and valley oaks, especially.

[Braggi]

Hi Deb et al

To give you some good news, some people DO plant trees ...

Thanks Don. I always pick up a pocket full of acorns when I see a large quantity under a tree. Just poke them in the dirt in the fall. Rain will do the rest. Even if you toss them on the ground squirrels will plant some percentage of them. The conifers will do fine. The oaks really need our helps. Along freeways I think it's a great idea to plant redwoods to replace the lost ones. In only five years they grow large enough to shield more offensive views. They are very fast growing trees.

Hopefully some pressure on our local politicians will make that happen.

-Jeff