
(Cochrane, AB) – On January 30, the Parks and Open Spaces Department will begin safety work on the Grandfather Tree following its fall during the windstorm earlier this month. To ensure public safety, the Grandfather Tree trail will be temporarily closed to all bicycle and pedestrian traffic during this time. The Town of Cochrane kindly asks residents and visitors to respect posted signage and follow any guidance provided by staff working in the area.
As part of the safety measures, a portion of the upper tree will be removed to mitigate fire risks. Additionally, branches along the trunk will be pruned to stabilize the tree, enabling it to rest more securely on the slope. All wood removed from the site will be preserved for use in a future commemorative project.
“Thank you, Cochrane, for sharing your thoughts and suggestions on how to commemorate our Grandfather Tree,” said Mayor Jeff Genung. “This tree has been a cherished part of our community, and we want to ensure it’s remembered for future generations. If you have any ideas to share, we’d love to hear from you.”
Propagation specialists have successfully collected seeds and meristem cuttings from the top of the tree. They are working closely with a grower to propagate the seed and are also exploring innovative tissue culture micropropagation techniques to create potential clones of the tree. These efforts aim to preserve the Grandfather Tree’s unique genetic legacy for future generations.
Once all ideas have been gathered, they will be presented to Council for consideration. Residents who have not yet submitted suggestions for commemorating the tree are encouraged to email community.services@cochrane.ca by Friday, January 31, 2025.