K-Max Helicopter Assists Climbers Removing Hazard Trees

Arborists from Brink's Land Improvement work with Swanson Group Aviation and their K-Max to remove difficult hazard trees along the McKenzie River. This area was badly burned by the Holiday Farm Fire in the fall of 2020. These trees are over 180' from the highway but the way they were leaning with their height surpassing 230', they had to be taken down to keep river goers and travelers on Highway 126 safe. This part of the Hazard Tree Removal project is a joint effort with Oregon Debris Management Task Force, Suulutaaq, Inc. Oregon Branch, Brink's Land Improvement and Swanson Group Aviation. Thank you to the land owners, residents and motorists in the area for your continued patience with all of the work in the area.

[@kendellreese8555]

I don’t know about you, but that was probably the coolest thing I’ve ever seen..

[@jdavenport_photo]

It was incredible to see from the ground.

[@chrisflannery5546]

That power ascender tho😍

[@jdavenport_photo]

It’s a pretty neat tool!

[@hna0904]

Rad! Nice job JD!! These guys are performing some intense work!

[@timothymorris9479]

Nice birds eye view of a job well done Jeff and Crew.
It's starting to look better and safer alone the Beautiful McKenzie river highway Thanks to all of you working hard everyday.
Be safe out there.

[@jdavenport_photo]

They really are top notch!

[@garyneuschwander6792]

Great to see you guys getting it done here in Oregon. Great job and appreciate the explanations.

[@rogerwaters6724]

Great Vid JD! Really liked how you layered high quality footage with that interview. Really engaging content. Great job!

[@jdavenport_photo]

Thank you!

[@nickvial7008]

Badass

[@MrThenry1988]

Nice work men. Good show.

[@Liddle_Blue_Photo]

That’s bad ass

[@charlesmullins3238]

As an arborist in Ky man what a show….a chopper of that caliber pickin my cuts…not in my wildest dreams…lol. They do this cross the waters like nothin also…

[@randyschryvers7418]

👍

[@offairportgear]

Awesome

[@jdavenport_photo]

Thanks!

[@ohthehuemanatee]

That lead arborist is Travishing.

[@jdavenport_photo]

Hahaha

[@Listerr]

What the meaning to use helicopter in this situation?

[@jdavenport_photo]

Using the helicopter in this situation was the most efficient and cost effective way to mitigate the hazards these trees presented. Felling them into the river and onto the highway was not an option. Completely closing the river and highway for two days to set up a big crane was also not a great option. The helicopter was already working on other parts of the project, so it made sense to utilize it to make these lifts.

[@justinweatherly5667]

But they already topped it without it? Why not keep chunking wood?