WRIGHT! SHADE TREE PROGRAM OF CONNECTICUT 
93 
the number of destroyed trees on the Connecticut highway system at 
50,000. A questionnaire sent out by the sub-committee on forest fire 
hazards, down timber, and roadside planting, of the Governor’s Com¬ 
mittee on Rehabilitation, from as yet incomplete returns, shows a total 
of approximately 70,000 trees destroyed on city streets and town roads 
exclusive of state highways. These figures give concrete evidence of 
the magnitude of this disaster. 
Before the storm had abated, highway crews throughout the stricken 
area, augmented by whatever additional forces could be mustered, were 
busily at work cutting through the tangled masses of tree trunks and 
public utility pole lines, endeavoring to open the roads. It was a gigan¬ 
tic task. Yet, in a surprisingly short time one road after another was 
opened to traffic, the faithful crews working unceasingly until all fallen 
trees and other debris had been entirely removed from the traveled path 
of the highways. A great deal of credit is due to these crews, and to the 
many volunteers who aided them, for the efficient manner in which this 
task was accomplished. 
Once the roads were opened to traffic, the Department was faced with 
the complex problems of rehabilitation, calling for immediate attention. 
There were innumerable trees which had fallen on houses, across side¬ 
walks, and driveways. There were countless badly damaged trees still 
standing, together with quantities of broken branches hanging hazard¬ 
ously over the highways. Furthermore, there were numerous partially 
uprooted trees scattered throughout the storm area, which were deemed 
worthy of salvaging. 
It is safe to say that at the present time at least 90% of this emergency 
work has been accomplished. All trees have been removed from 
houses—sidewalks and driveways have been cleared, nearly all danger¬ 
ous standing trees and hangers have been eliminated, and a good share of 
the salvagable trees have been straightened, guyed, and fertilized. 
In addition just following the storm, the roadsides were lined with 
brush, logs, stumps, and other debris. This constituted a very un¬ 
sightly and hazardous condition. Large quantities of brush piled 
against buildings and along miles of woodland sections of the highways 
created a definite fire hazard. In various locations, on curves and at 
intersections, this debris seriously impeded the sightline of the motoring 
public. 
In order to conserve State funds, a W.P.A. project to the amount °f 
$539,000 was immediately applied for and duly obtained. This project 
