Clearing the way forward

Crews have been removing unwanted trees and vegetation at the Lehigh Portland State Park site in preparation for bigger things to come, including campgrounds and a visitors' center.

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December 14, 2023 - 2:18 PM

Looking west, the stands of cedar along Montana Road abutting Lehigh Portland State Park are being thinned to allow a better view of the lake from the road as well as help encourage development of native grasses. Photo by PHOTO BY DAN CARROLL/THRIVE ALLEN COUNTY

State crews loaded with chainsaws and skid steers arrived at Lehigh Portland State Park this week to cull unwanted trees and vegetation. 

“We’re removing some cedars and other invasive species to let the good stuff grow back,” said John Leahy. 

Earlier this month, Leahy was tapped as the park’s grounds supervisor after Thrive Allen County successfully submitted a bid for the position. Leahy is also director of trails for Thrive.

The work is in preparation for bigger things to come, including campgrounds and a visitors’ center. 

Crews are currently focused on the south and east sides of the park, including its entrance off Montana Road. 

“Because the area has been basically untouched for 50 years, there’s a lot of overgrowth,” Leahy said. 

Crews are now thinning the clusters of cedars to not only provide more sunlight to other plants but also open up the view to the lake.  

“If you drive down 1650 Street right now, it’s pretty incredible because you can actually see the lake from the road,” he said of the road on the east edge of the park. 

“The big draw to the park is the lake. There are so few bodies of water in Kansas with water this clear,” said Leahy. “Clearing enough trees so people can see the lake from the road is one goal.” 

In addition to local workers, employees with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, including park rangers and regional managers from across the state have joined in the work. 

“They see it as a really cool all-hands-on-deck project,” Leahy said. “They’re already asking when they can come back. I’ve never seen a happier group of guys out working.” 

John Leahy, left, and David Fontaine, center, discuss efforts to remove unwanted trees and brush with KDWP officials. Courtesy photo

Picture-perfect weather has been the icing on top. 

In addition to the cedars, crews are clearing Trees of Heaven, native to China and Thailand, and Bush honeysuckle. Yes, the ones with the pretty, fuchsia-colored berries. 

Leahy clarified the cedars are not actually an invasive species. 

“They were naturally existing, but their primary habitat was around bodies of water,” and have been allowed to overtake grasslands. 

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