DOUGLAS - Watching for the signs of spring? You won't see the traditional canopy of cottonwoods over the Wyoming State Fairgrounds this year, following a major tree removal project this month.

But, fair director Barney Cosner has a plan in place to restore the green beauty of the fairgrounds, using the new "A Living Legacy" program to encourage private sponsorship of new trees.

Like trees in other places around Douglas, many of the stately cottonwoods at the fairgrounds are at least 80, and possibly up to 90, years old, Cosner said. Many are dead or dying, creating serious safety hazards as limbs decay and drop unexpectedly to the ground.

Although the fairgrounds hasn't had a major incident involving fallen limbs, the trees are a safety risk, Cosner said. Most of the trees slated for removal are along the midway and near the ag hall and Pioneer Museum, although a few are near the livestock barns and along the bank of the North Platte River.

For more details read Wednesday's Casper Star-Tribune.