Honking Tree to become carved art

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The landmark Two Harbors Honking Tree that was cut down by vandals in April will be cut again, but this time by a chainsaw artist who will turn it into a lighthouse that will stand 10 feet or even 20 feet high.

Those plans, unveiled by Mayor Randy Bolen at a Two Harbors Trees and Trails Commission meeting last week, should lay to rest any fears of what will become of the trunk.

The carved lighthouse would stand on Highway 61 in Two Harbors, in the open lot across from the Dairy Queen where a directional city sign now stands. It’s a suitable place for the trunk of the beloved tree that used to stand alongside Highway 61 south of the city.

The artist said he is taking a good look at the historic Two Harbors lighthouse for inspiration. “It should be unique,” he said of the sculpture, adding he’s keeping in contact with the city on specific designs for the tree.

Tom Gelineau, public works director for Two Harbors, recommended a concrete base for the project, surrounded by rocks.

The lighthouse project, along with smaller projects involving the Honking Tree, might be done at no cost. “People have been extraordinarily gracious,” Bolen said.

The mayor recently showed a prototype of a cross-section of a Honking Tree branch branded with a commemorative inscription. They are being sold at city hall as souvenirs and the money raised will go to various civic projects. One possible project is planting more trees in the community.

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