(-- The Beacon)
By Kate Peifer Staff Writer peifer14@up.edu
On Nov. 22, as heavy rain and winds slammed the Portland area, a large oak tree on campus split in half, taking down a power line in the backyard of University President Fr. Bill Beauchamp, C.S.C., across from Fields and Schoenfeldt Halls.
Public Safety and Physical Plant responded quickly to the hazard, blocking off the sidewalk and the adjacent road.
"It was one large branch that fell," Public Safety Officer Manu Jauregui said. "There is no damage other than the power line. It could have been much worse."
Sophomore Katie Robbins saw the tree split from her dorm window in Fields.
"I was doing homework on my bed when I heard a loud crack," Robbins said. "Then I saw the tree split in half and fall down and make a big thump!"
According to Beauchamp, the remainder of the tree was cut down because it was too dangerous to stay standing.
"I was without power until Wednesday afternoon," Beauchamp said. "The important thing is that nobody was hurt, and when it fell it miraculously missed the house."
According to a groundskeeper who identified himself as Ron but did not disclose his last name, the 200-year-old re-cabled oak tree was a potential hazard due to a seam in the middle of the tree.
"You see many rotted trees come down this time of year because of all the rain," Ron said. "We recommended the University to take this tree out."
Ron, who has 25 years experience in groundskeeping, along with arborist Jim Wells, have cited other potential hazards on campus.
"Take a look at one tree by the tennis center and the large oak by Lewis and Clark (statue)," Ron said. "We have recommended those to also be removed."
