Free wood chips are available at several locations as a by-product of the West Eugene EmX project. The EmX project will extend rapid transit service to Beltline on a route that includes West 11th, West Sixth and West Seventh avenues.
The chips are coming from the removal of 260 trees along portions of Sixth and Seventh avenues. More than 460 trees will be planted to replace them. The new trees will provide more diversity and will have more space and better soil in which to grow. This will protect sidewalks from root damage and allow the trees to thrive for decades.
In addition to providing free chips to the public, wood from the removed trees will be used for additional local public benefit. Large logs will enhance habitat for pond turtles, salamanders, and chorus frogs in City of Eugene wetlands.
Chips are on a first-come, first-serve basis, as available, at four locations (see map for additional information):
The north end of Washington Street, east of the I-105 overpass and west of Skinner City Farm. This site is open to the public on weekends and after 4 p.m. daily. It is closed during the day to allow the contractor to deliver and off-load logs and chips. A free permit is required for this site. The permit is available at 1820 Roosevelt Boulevard, or by calling 541-682-4800. While this site has the most restrictions for obtaining chips, it is also the site where the greatest quantity of chips will be available.
The surfaced area west of Jefferson Street off 15th and 16th avenues near the Lane County Fairgrounds.
The southwest corner of the gravel parking lot near Peterson Barn Community Center off Royal Avenue.
The north end of the former Civic Stadium parking lot between Oak Street and Amazon Parkway.