When nature decides to unleash its fury on the earth, the impacts can be felt far and wide, leaving a mess.

Such is the case for the South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District after a Nov. 17 wind storm caused an extraordinary amount of damage to the trails at Community Park.

Tom Fallon, parks district facility and grounds supervisor, said the storm and the damage it caused were the worst he’s seen in his 17 years with the district.

“I’ve never really had to deal with anything of this magnitude,” Fallon said. “It’s pretty severe.”

The district reported more than 40 trees came down on park property and were either blocking trails or a hazard to walkers. Caution tape and orange cones were placed at the entrances of trails to signify their closure.

On Monday afternoon, one such tree ominously hung over Westling Loop, the trail located near the upper soccer fields, which took the brunt of the storm.

The tree was flexed and bent, presenting a danger to trail users. Fallon and the maintenance crew of three workers were untrained in dealing with the severity of the hazardous trees, so the district contracted with Jason Heggenes of Heggenes Arboreal to deal with the problem. Heggenes safely cut down that tree and another, helping put a large dent in the cleanup process.

“When we contract out, it’s because our staff does not feel comfortable or have the skill set to handle trees like that,” said South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District Director Doug Coutts. “From a safety standpoint, we want to get them out fairly quickly.”

Cutting the tree was a complicated undertaking. Heggenes first cut the tree through the bottom of its base, but when it finally gave out and tipped over, the tree was still left hanging in the air after being caught by several other trees on the other side of the trail.

“We’re basically trying to remove anything that’s damaged or dangerous to the public.”

Tom Fallon,

facility and grounds supervisor

South Whidbey Parks and Recreation

Fallon said because the woods in Community Park are so dense, the work is as dangerous as it is difficult. While Heggenes was cutting the tree using a chainsaw, Fallon said he had to halt one runner who had apparently ignored the orange cones that were placed at the entrance of the trail.

“We obviously don’t want anybody walking under (hazardous) trees,” Fallon said. “We’re basically trying to remove anything that’s damaged or dangerous to the public.”

The cost for hiring Heggenes will be covered by the district’s insurance company, Coutts said. The cost varies depending on the number of trees, risk factor, type of tree and the conditions. Coutts estimated it would total $800.

Fallon said he and his team were chipping away at the numerous trees that had fallen on the ground around the park. The trees prevented the district access to the Westling Loop for a short period of time before the crew was able to cut through it. They’ve also cleared debris scattered around the trails. Even when the trails reopen, there will still be plenty of tree limbs and branches to be removed.

“It’s quite a process,” Fallon said. “That’s kind of the way we have to do it: bit by bit.”

Also damaged during the storm was the ladder access to the water pump and the roof of the pump house, which are located near the upper soccer fields. Both were struck by trees. Water to the Sports Complex and Community Park facilities were unaffected by the damage.

“It’s an act of God thing,” Coutts said. “It can certainly mess things up.”

Coutts said the trails would be cleared and ready for access as early as Nov. 28. Trail users should pay heed if caution tape or cones are blocking portions of the trails.