In the days before logging became a mechanized industry, the climber — the person who prepared the spar tree — was a respected and skilled member of the crew. Back then a spar tree was a tall, strong tree that was selected, trimmed and rigged with cables and pulleys to act as a central anchor point for hauling logs in a logging operation. All that work was done by the climber.
It’s a rare sight today to see a spar tree in a timber harvesting area, but you can see them at any loggers' sports shows. This year locals will have a chance to see climbers in action on Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre. Just a couple of weeks ago the state of the two spar poles at the amphitheatre was in question.
The two very high trees, which were donated by Otter Point Timber back in 2018, had some dry rot in the base, just below the protective cover plates. Ladysmith workers noticed the rot, and it was recommended the two poles be taken down to protect both the public and climbers during the loggers’ sports event. Members of the local volunteer Tour de Rock committee (who organize the loggers' sports event) asked for a second opinion as they had worked with the installation in the past.
Dave MacLeod from Husky Forest Service, a professional tree climber as well as a loggers' sports tree climber and actor, said instead of destroying the trees, they could be taken out to find out where the rot ends. His suggestion was accepted and the trees were taken out by RKM Cranes on July 30 and laid down to be examined. MacLeod climbed each tree and attached all the rigging for the crane to reach. He did tests at various lengths of the trees and it was determined that the rot was up 10 feet from the bottom, so 11 feet was cut off.
The bases of the trees had been painted with sealer the day before. It was done at ground level and went up 12 feet so the trees were prepared and the crane hoisted them up. Each tree was done separately and when each one was in its spot, works crew members filled the hole around the base with driveway gravel donated by Porter’s Dairy.
“The town is very pleased with the work recently completed at the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre,” said Chris Barfoot, the Town of Ladysmith's manager of parks, recreation and culture, who supervised the operation. “RKM Cranes and Husky Forest Service completed precise repairs and the reinstallation of two existing spar poles, ensuring their safe use for the upcoming loggers' sports exhibition during the Tour de Rock event this September and their continued use in the future.”
The improved spar poles are now 79 feet tall. According to MacLeod, who also participates in climbing competition, they are still fit for the upcoming show.
“We were happy to work with RKM and the Town of Ladysmith employees on this project," said MacLeod when the job was finished. "We have just replaced our poles in Campbell River last week so we were all practiced up. Everything went smoothly and we're looking forward to seeing a big crowd here once again for the loggers' exhibition in September. It’s a fantastic event at an amazing location and it lends support to a great cause."
The local loggers’ sports show is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 14 starting at 2 p.m. at the Transfer Beach Amphitheatre.
