Case of cut down tree has police stumped

A tree falling down near Boulevard Lake this weekend has definitely made a sound in the community.

Thunder Bay Police Service officials say a 100-year-old white pine, a landmark tree on Lyon Boulevard, was cut down sometime between Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5.

The tree is well known in the area for its resilience, having been the victim in a number of motor vehicle collisions.

“To the tree’s credit, it managed to survive all of those accidents,” said City of Thunder Bay forester Shelley Vescio. “Normally, a tree that was hit so many times would have become rotten and fallen down. This one was pretty sound.

“I’m sure many people that were injured (from crashing into it) were probably saved from going over the cliff.”

The white pine was unable to survive the weekend assault, and was cut down as dozens of area trees stood as silent witnesses.

Police believe a small chainsaw was used to cut the tree.

Vescio calls the cutting “senseless” and said the incident has upset many people in the area.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact city police or Crime Stoppers.