BATH

In the last month, 11 apple tree saplings have been stolen from South End Park on Washington St.  The thefts occurred on June 18 and June 28. 

The trees were planted at the park as part of an $8,000 grant from the state under the Project Canopy urban forestry mission. 

The park is used as an off-leash dog park, as well as an open green space on the Kennebec River, with a fishing pier at the river end and a walking trail.

City Arborist Tom Hoerth planted five apple saplings along the north end of the park, between the walking path and BIW property. Within days, the trees had been removed.  He planted six more, and those were also taken. The trees were only an inch in diameter, making it easy for them to be removed, he said.

The cost of the trees is $550.

Hoerth is not certain what the state will do now to help Bath replace the trees.  The apple trees were to be part of an “urban orchard” in the city parks and near the schools. The grant funded the purchase of 35 trees.  Larger trees planted in the park and at the middle school were not taken.

Anyone with information concerning the theft should contact the Bath Police Department at 443-5563.