Landmark tree goes down for the count, the ring count that is. In Stratton on the corner of School Street a tree had been around for as long as anyone can remember and was estimated, by the forestry department, to be at least 300 years old. It may have seen the days of the Indians and trappers —so much change. But it died this last year and was in danger of destroying an apartment building next to it, when the winter storms hit this year. So, Chris Baldwin was hired to take the massive tree down. "The skyline looks so empty now! It will be sorely missed. Goodbye old friend."

Chris Baldwin works a chainsaw as he finishes up the job of taking down the 300-year-old tree. (Mikey Raley photos)

At top right, the landmark tree just before Baldwin took it down. Baldwin relaxes a moment in harness in the midst of taking down the huge tree.