“Why are so many trees being cut at Camp Wakonda?” We are glad you asked!

A few years ago a Forester came to assess our trees here on the property. At that time the management was told that for the health of the trees, they should be thinned. Over the years there has been some effort to do this, but with only volunteers it has been difficult to keep up with the need. We were advised that due to the condition of our trees, they are approaching the end of their life cycle. Most Jack Pines on the property have already done so and are dying, and these are many of those being removed.

Each year constituents who bring RV’s to camp meeting request the cutting of trees so that the RV’s can be safely parked. In addition, there has been an effort to remove trees that are too close to structures (bath houses, lodges etc.) for the safety and longevity of the buildings. The Red Pines with split tops are especially dangerous as these are prone to breaking in the storms. Every year there are some that come down, many have narrowly missed RV’s that have been stored here at camp, while some have landed on cabins, resulting in costly repairs.

Other trees are also being removed due to disease. One can drive on county roads throughout this area of Wisconsin and see the result of the “Pine Wilt” disease. Whole sections of pine plantations are brown and dead. This disease can spread rapidly between trees, especially those already weakened by over crowding and drought. The trees between the entrance driveways at camp had to be removed due to Pine Wilt so it would not spread throughout the campground. Oak Wilt has also taken the majority of the Oak trees on the property. The oak grove that was removed to make way for the new Junior Pavilion was also infected with this disease.

Aside from the reasons mentioned above, there is no plan to clear cut the trees. Recently a tree spade was purchased so that smaller healthy trees can be transplanted into areas where older trees have had to be removed. It is hoped that this will help to preserve the beauty of our forest at Camp Wakonda for generations to come.

Becky Ziesmer, Administrative Assistant for Camp Wakonda