Sandwich to Remove Weeping Willow Tree Soon

CapeCod.com
October 15, 2016

SANDWICH – Those who want to take a picture with the weeping willow tree in Sandwich are asked to do so soon, as the tree is expected to be removed in a few weeks.

The tree, which is estimated to be between 50-100 years old, will be removed in early November after town officials said that it was causing significant damage in the area.
Selectmen determined in a unanimous vote last month to cut it down, citing that it was causing damage to the lower Shawme Dam and a nearby fish ladder.
Selectman Frank Pannorfi said that the town needs to have make sure that the herring run in the lower Shawme Dam area gets the fish to the lower Shawme Pond, which then brings them to the upper Shawme area and upper Shawme Pond.
"That's more important in our mind, the preservation of the herring specie, because it has greater impact and greater need, it is a food source for the bigger fish that humans eat," said Pannorfi.
Panorfi added that the town was in violation of federal dam requirements because of damage by the tree.
Town officials said that the choice to remove the tree came down to having to fix the fish ladder and preventing any further deterioration.
Still, Pannorfi said now is the time to see the tree.
"The sooner the folks can get down there and have their photograph taken with the willow tree the better, it's not going to be around much longer," said Pannorfi.
By JUSTIN SAUNDERS, CapeCod.com Newscenter