The latest series of storms to roll through the Rifle area took quite a toll on the trees at Rose Hill Cemetery. The older, larger trees were no match for Mother Nature as they surrendered their decades old branches. City of Rifle crews has had their work literally cut out for them removing tons of branches and debris.
“We have so far spent over 40 man hours cutting up and removing broken tree branches since the first storm hit approximately two weeks ago,” explained Alan Lambert from the City’s Grounds and Facilities Division. “Two days were spent cutting up large branches with chainsaws.” Heavy equipment was brought in to assist the staff with safe removal. So far, three large dump trucks of heavy ends and seven dump trucks of smaller branches have been loaded and removed. And the work is not yet complete. City crews hope to continue their clean-up efforts this week, weather permitting.
“Snow removal from our streets and walkways is obviously a top priority, and many of the same staff members who are involved in the cemetery clean-up are the ones removing snow from sidewalk, trails and park properties,” noted Tom Whitmore, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City.
The National Weather Service predicts this weather pattern will continue for at least the next ten days. The breaks between storm systems should allow the clean-up to be complete within the next few weeks.
Media Contact: Tom Whitmore, 970-665-6489