The Tree of Contention

Not THE Tree!
Originally uploaded by Rexfree_99

I went hiking around the Land today looking for the downed tree that is blocking Copsey Creek. At first I thought it was this tree sticking out from the berries and brambles but alas, that would have been too simple.
Across the creek were two of my new neighbors who assured me this wasn't the tree they were concerned about. That tree was farther downstream. After declining a guided tour to the spot, I confidently set off on my own.
I finally came to very thick brush lining the bank for quite a distance, preventing me from even accessing a view of the creek much less getting down there. There are a lot of pools so a creek walk wasn't feasible and I was still a little leery of the giant buck. I was beginning to wish for Luke the Trail Blazer, when I found a tiny game trail, and with the help of my walking stick, and a semi flexible back, I got to the edge of the creek and lo and behold, I just happened to come out where the damn tree is. It really is huge and goes right across the creek. Looks pretty impossible to get out, but perhaps, it can be cut up in some way and taken out in pieces.
I hope Angie can come and look, though I am not sure what the Lower Lake Watershed Council can do...I am thinking big equipment. I will have Stuart take a look on Thursday, and in the meantime, I am trying to contact a live person at Fish & Game to see if I need some sort of permit. Looks like it would really tear up the place to move equipment in there.
Oh the joys of land stewardship!
I walked the circuit, including the western fence line and found two places where the neighbor is channeling water into my property...one appears natural, the other def. not. I am wondering if they are so hard up for potable water, why they don't capture that water off the roof of their house, instead of letting it come onto my property. Some day I will ask them.
I also met and talked with the man on Pebble who is supposed to have serious mental health problems, but he was perfectly friendly though paranoid about rising property taxes, esp. on my property. We shall see.
All in all, it was a good walk on a beautiful fall morning.