Staff monitor a big poplar tree as it nears the Clutha River’s far riverbank, winched by an excavator. Photo: SuppliedA big submerged poplar tree which had threatened the safety of swimmers and downstream infrastructure was yesterday removed from the Clutha River at Albert Town. The tree had fallen into the river after December’s high river flows accelerated riverbank erosion. ORC manager engineering Michelle Mifflin said the tree needed to be removed for safety and to protect infrastructure. Using a bulldozer and excavator upstream on the far bank, and winching the tree across the river had proved the best solution, she said.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 28, 2020 15:33 UTC