By Kevin Foster
When I hear the term “friends of the forest”, one individual comes to mind immediately; a great friend, Bruce Baker. Bruce started his journey in Santa Cruz on Pacheco Avenue near Pacheco Park. As a small boy, Bruce was drawn to the outdoors as far back as he can remember. Bruce’s mom and dad would visit Big Basin and Fall Creek to go camping often. Bruce recalls he was always frequenting the beach or the forest. Some of Bruce’s fondest memories were around fourth and fifth grade; his mom would bring them to a friend’s cabin in Boulder Creek where he would spend many hours in the forest. His sophomore year, Bruce moved in with his father into a cabin surrounded by redwoods. He recalls how his dad would get on the roof and shoot limbs out of the trees to try to prevent branches from coming down and poking holes in the roof, creating leaks during the rainy season. That’s when trees began to pique Bruce’s interest. When around 15 years old, he ran into a family friend, Ray Liebenberg, a local tree climber, who taught Bruce his first climbing knot and gave young Bruce some beginners advice on limbing trees. Bruce’s dad realized it was something his son had a calling for and got Bruce his first lineman spurs and a lineman‘s telephone belt. They customized these tools the best they could for climbing redwoods so Bruce could practice. Word got around in the neighborhood and the neighbors were asking Bruce if he could climb and limb their trees. After high school Bruce found a job working at Safeway but he would spend his early mornings climbing trees and making just as much money as he did at Safeway. In the 70s, Bruce’s passion led him to learn more about trees, seeking a better understanding and education of logging and the timber industry. In his early 20s, Bruce headed north to south eastern Alaska. There he spent three years starting at the bottom and working his way to the top while living in a logging camp, learning all aspects of the timber trade; living and breathing trees. He would come back from Alaska during winters to be Foreman for Christiansen tree service during those 3 years. n 1984 Bruce became a licensed timber operator with all the proper insurances for the trade and for Cal Fire requirements. Bruce had reached his goal of becoming an independent contract timber faller working the coastal mountain ranges from Half Moon Bay to Big Sur and at the same time found the love of his life, wife Kimberle. Bruce had chased his dream, reached his goals and was doing what he loved. Bruce continued his forest calling up until August 1, 2012 when he survived a near fatal automobile accident. With more than two years of recovery time, learning to talk and walk again, the timber industry was patiently waiting with welcoming arms back to the forest where Bruce does what he does best. Now at 67 years old, Bruce is an inspiration to many, still going strong, falling hazardous trees and monitoring our forests for safety. In Boulder Creek, Bruce Baker is someone who everyone gets a smile on their face when they see him or hear his name. He helps others where and when he can, helping to maintain the forest paths and trails, keeping a watchful eye on them while he is working way out in the woods. Our wildlife in the woods and our mountains are much safer with Bruce Baker working in them. We are all so grateful for Bruce’s passion and watchful eye.
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