Falling trees at the Cleaver Woods Recreation Park has resulted in its temporary closure. However, a notice placed in one of the daily newspapers on Tuesday never included the words "temporary" or until further notice." The notice placed under the heading of the Ministry of Housing and the Environment, Forestry Division, stated that with immediate effect the park was closed to the public because of the danger posed by falling trees. T&T Guardian tried to seek clarification on the notice on Tuesday and was informed the closure was temporary.
Forestry officials said there were several old trees which needed to be removed since they had been "constantly falling." According to them, the park had to be closed until further notice to ensure "the marked trees" were removed. They explained that with the harsh dry season last year and the numerous reports of bushfires combined with this year's rainy season, the trees were exposed. They assured the park would soon be reopened and apologised for the error. The park, which is located on 32 acres along the Eastern Main Road, D'Abadie, was closed to the public.
Efforts to contact Conservator of Forests Kenny Singh proved futile. According to T&T Guardian archives, the area was formerly owned by Charles Cleaver, a conservationist who maintained the land in its natural state. On June 24, 1937, the land was acquired by the State from Cleaver's heirs for the purpose of conserving the part which was then a typical rain forest. However, it was only in 1979 that the Forestry Division began developmental work in the park.
The extreme south-west was reforested with Caribbean pines and local species, while the northern section was supposed to be restored to its natural state. North Cleaver Woods was the family area with nine picnic sites. Paved trails allowed for nature walks through this forested area. A visitor's shelter in Amerindian style, centrally located, displayed history of Caribs and Arawaks and household articles used by them.