While out geocaching have you ever come across a power trail using utility poles and WONDERED about them?
The common wood utility poles are those tall vertical structures made from various types of wood. These wooden beams are critical to the way we operate as a society and serve a variety of purposes. Often housing multiple services like power, telephone, and cable on one pole
They are designed to support power lines above-ground at a safe distance from people and structures. Height requirements for utility poles are determined by voltage levels and terrain conditions. Higher voltage lines necessitate taller poles to maintain proper clearance from the ground or other structures.
The wooden utility poles are capable of withstanding various weather conditions including strong winds, heavy snow loads, and ice accumulation due to their inherent strength and flexibility. The average lifespan of a utility pole is 30 to 40 years. They can range from 30 to 65 feet tall. The smaller 30 foot poles weighs more than 800 pounds. Larger poles that exceed 65 feet can weigh more than 4,000 pounds.
The Southern yellow pines and Douglas fir are the most popular trees due to their size, but Northeastern red pine and many other species of softwoods that grow tall and straight are also used to make utility poles, including jack pine, lodgepole pine, western red cedar, and Pacific silver fir. Most poles are made from trees that are 30-years or older.
Creosote is a wood preservative used to protect wood used outdoors (such as railroad ties and utility poles) against termites, fungi, mites and other pests. However due to it's link to canceer, Creosote is no longer used.
Permission has been given by the Quincy Parks director to place this cache.
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