The Chattanooga Department of Public Works will conduct a wood lottery on Thursday, at 10 a.m. This event will take place on Moccasin Bend at the Waste Water Treatment Plant.
The entrance to the wood storage area is off Moccasin Bend Road just south of Hamm Road before you get to the golf course. Directional signs will be posted.
"This lottery will work the same as the ones conducted in the past," said City Forester Gene Hyde, "We do have some nice pieces of black cherry, boxelder, walnut and possibly other woods.” These pieces came from trees that either fell into a street right-of-way or were removed to make way for another project.
The featured wood in this lottery comes from the old and massive Osage-Orange Tree which uprooted on the Hamilton County Courthouse lawn last fall. Small souvenir-sized pieces of branches from this tree will be given away on a first come first-served basis. Individuals wanting souvenir pieces should plan on arriving at 9:00 and need not participate in the general lottery.
Registration for those seeking some of the wood will begin at 9 a.m. At that time the lots of wood will be ready for inspection which includes larger pieces from the Courthouse’s Osage Orange Tree. Names will be drawn starting at 10 a.m. People whose names are chosen should bring appropriate transportation to haul away the wood. Some of the lots of wood weigh several hundred pounds. A few of the larger pieces weigh several tons. All wood will be given away free of charge.
In case of inclement weather the lottery will be held on Thursday, April 4, at the same location and time.
For additional information call Gene Hyde, City Forester, at 423 757-5182.