Thankfully, no one was hurt but our maple forests have been damaged.  

Ecologically, windstorms are a factor in the regeneration of old growth hardwood forests. The gaps in the canopy created by large fallen trees allow for the establishment of new seedlings.  Practically, as maple farmers and forest managers, we respect natural forces, but they create danger, along with a lot of work and expense!

The damage is quite dramatic.  Trees with stem defects or weak branch joints snap off at various heights while others, despite their expensive root systems are uprooted and tipped over.

There is also a “domino effect” when one tree hits another and pushes it over.  As the branches and trees fall, they land on our pipeline systems and trails. 

Clearing the fallen trees is hard and dangerous work which must be done so that we can repair and replace the tubing systems.

When you visit Fortune Farms and walk the trails, you will see the effects of this storm for years to come.