Bucksport’s elms

Perhaps some have noticed the disappearance of two maple trees which had bookended the Isaac B. Rich monument in downtown Bucksport for the last quarter century. Although the two orange highway cones peaking out like radioactive prairie dogs from holes on each side of the monument may stir some curiosity, they are hardly respectful flanking for our historic watering trough. What is now missing are the new trees planned for these spaces.

The two maples, recently removed to facilitate the monument’s restoration, were themselves replacements for two American Liberty Elms, which had been soldiering there since 1866 when they and hundreds of thousands like them were planted across the United States to honor Abraham Lincoln following his assassination. The fountain/monument was placed between the pair of elms some 30 years later.

When the Bucksport Conservation Committee was approached about the restoration and repair of the Rich monument, that committee was assured by all involved that the two sacrificed maples would be replaced with new trees decided upon by the committee. Many hours of discussion were given to this project, including two unanimous votes for the choice of new disease-resistant elms. History was coming full circle.

The committee has been fully aware of opposition of any replacement plantings by a sole business owner who has concerns of losing a river view, but evaluated realistically that any possible “loss of river view” from the Old Jed Prouty Inn by these trees could only occur after all of us, pro and con, were lon planted in the ground ourselves.

These elms do not have a dense canopy (especially for seven months of the year) and they will only grace this historic plaza with dappled elmshade. In addition, it was noted that the biggest disruption of the Penobscot River, Fort Knox, and Waldo Hancock Bridge views is already existing in the forms of a motor inn and other businesses across the street.

Further, the argument that these public trees in this public location would in some way have an adverse financial effect on business is so empty it is mind numbing. Still, another lengthy meeting, the choice of replacement trees was unanimously amended to be Dwarf elms, reaching a mature height of only 20-25 feet. This concession and compromise should have ended this year-long debate.

The trees were ordered, the trees arrived and the holes are ready. While Bucksport had paid for the plantings as well as their ground preparation, the elms now reside at the town garage – quietly waiting to freeze to death.

With the recent Town Council decision to send this matter back to their volunteer Conservation Committee for more discussion and yet another recount of their vote, these elms likely will be as dead as their ancestors by spring.

Robert L. Patterson lives in Bucksport.