Mooney Grove trees thirsting for water

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The trees towering over Mooney Grove Park cast a deathly shadow. Many are dying, thirsting for water.

"Losing the trees to the drought and not being about to do anything about it is very disheartening," said Neil Pilegard, County Of Tulare. The problem has been compounded by the fact that the irrigation well at Mooney Grove has failed. County park employees can't get enough water to the trees.

So far this year they've had to cut down forty. They're constantly checking up on trees to make sure the park stays safe. "Some of the heritage trees that are here are dying or being definitely affected by the drought, said Pilegard.

Tulare County has declared the situation an emergency. That means a new 600 foot well is being drilled as fast as possible. 100 Feet of cement is being poured, after it dries the pump will be tested but it's still weeks away from being finished.

Pilegard says the county plants new trees in the park but they won't know how many trees will need to be replaced after this emergency until next spring.

That's why they're hoping one way or another water will get to the trees as soon as possible.