A Tree by Any Other Name

Michael Langford has 30 logs that he would like to do something with. The only problem is, the logs may be the most controversial timbers in Northwest Arkansas.

The trees, mostly post oaks, were cut from the site of the Kohl’s department store in north Fayetteville.

Mary Lightheart of Goshen held a demonstration in one of the trees at the Kohl’s site to try to prevent removal of the grove. Ultimately, 51 trees were removed from the site to make way for construction.

Langford is a carpenter who does business as Boston Island Boatworks. The logs in question are 12 to 20 feet long and average 30 inches in diameter.

Langford said the logs were given to him by Argus Properties after they were removed from the Kohl’s site last year. Although he owns the logs, Langford said it would cost about $36,500 for him to convert the timbers into something useful for the city of Fayetteville, such as a pavilion or park furniture. That amount includes hauling, saw milling, design and construction.

Langford said Fayetteville alderman Randy Zurcher has taken an interest in the proposal, but it has yet to go before the city council.