Westfield Land & Natural Resources History

 Land & Natural Resources History

The Land and Natural Resources division manages over two hundred acres of park land and school sports fields, as well as an additional five thousand acres of forest land.  The division has undergone many changes over the years, and like the land it oversees, it will continue to change.  Here is a short overview of some of the many challenges the division has seen throughout the years.

By the late 1800s, plant care had become an established and rapidly growing profession.  During that same era, expanding industrialization and urbanization were adding new stresses to trees, and the detrimental effects were becoming apparent.

Before the advent of small, one-man chain saws and aerial lifts, all tree work was performed manually.  Fortunately, the climbing gear and saws have evolved to make tree climbing safer and more efficient.

Techniques for moving large trees was a major emphasis or arboriculture in the 1930s and 1940s.

Following World War II, the well-dressed tree surgeon wore surplus military britches and high-lacing boots.  Climbers used manila ropes and a bowline on a bight served as a saddle until bosun's seat and barrel stave saddles were introduced.

Chainsaw demonstration - 1949

資料來源:

https://www.cityofwestfield.org/719/Land-Natural-Resources?PREVIEW=YES