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Amid a mixture of loud and tearful protests, on Monday morning crews from Cascade Tree Care began the process of cutting down the 100-foot redwood -– known to many as Big Red — growing at the entrance to the Boardwalk Condominiums parking area at 1024 5th Ave. S. Crews arrived on schedule at 7:30 a.m. and were greeted by an estimated 40 sign-carrying protesters chanting “Save Big Red” and locking arms as they circled the tree.
The months-long effort to block removal was spearheaded by 35-year Boardwalk resident Dennis Weaver. These included letter writing, appeals to the mayor and city council, posters, leaflets, press releases and legal maneuverings that culminated in a failed attempt to block the permit in court.
Despite efforts by proponents to save the tree, the issuance of a valid removal permit by the City of Edmonds to the Boardwalk Homeowners Association — combined with a legal contract between the HOA and Cascade Tree Care to do the work — won out in the end. Throughout, Weaver and his supporters have insisted – and continue to insist — that the permit was not valid primarily due to the technicality of misidentifying the genus and species of the tree, an argument the city maintains is insufficient to invalidate the permit. (See details in My Edmonds News earlier story here)
Edmonds police were on hand Monday to maintain order, ensure that sidewalks and streets were not blocked, and make sure everyone kept a safe distance from falling branches and other hazards. Officers made special efforts to inform protesters that any attempts on their part to impede the work by physically blocking work crews was illegal and would result in arrest, booking into the county jail, fines and/or imprisonment. Protesters complied – some reluctantly – and no arrests were necessary.
The presence of protesters and a final check with city officials to answer Weaver’s concerns regarding the legality of the permit delayed the start of work for several hours. At approximately 11 a.m., work began with a physical inspection of the tree to ensure that it contained no active wildlife nests. None were found and cutting of the lower lateral branches commenced.
Removing a large tree that is growing close to buildings and a major arterial presents a host of logistical challenges, but Derrick Meyers, owner of Cascade Tree Care, says he hopes to complete the project by week’s end. Monday and part of Tuesday will focus on removing lateral branches. Later in the week Meyers will bring in a crane to assist in safely removing the main trunk. Expect traffic delays on 5th Avenue during this part of the operation.
Shame on the Major for allowing this. More and more trees cut down for no reason and never replanted. Look at the trees on Dayton in front of the sewer plant.
Don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone?
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.
They took all the trees, put ’em in a tree museum
And they charged the people a dollar and a half just to see ’em.
– Joni Mitchell
What a loss. You will never be able to replace the splendor of this tree. Edmonds is on track to become an ugly treeless wasteland.
Mayor Mike Rosen had ample opportunity to stop this from happening and received literally hundreds of emails. The fact that he chose to support this action says all the public needs to know about his effectiveness, leadership and values. Please remember this if he chooses to run for reelection.
This is so sad. Irreparable damage done to Edmonds despite the efforts of many people. Thank you to Dennis Weaver and all the folks who tried to save Big Red. How does destruction of a healthy tree make sense for our community? This strikes me as madness. Why didn’t Mayor Rosen stop it?
It isn’t for “no reason” if a city ecologist has been out to assess the tree, and determined it a danger to the residents that’s a pretty good reason.
I have family who live in that complex and the tree is not stable and a hazard. If it were to fall, and kill someone, I would be incredibly angry that action wasn’t taken. I think people reading this article need to be more aware as to the reason this tree is coming down and it isn’t simply an attack on nature- its to protect senior citizens and the disabled residents that live in those buildings. So shame on all of you for making them feel like they are not worth protecting.
Rebecca Miller,
What is the report you reference from a ‘city ecologist?’
The only arborist reports used for the application for the removal of the tree found it to be in ‘good health’ and ‘low risk.’
Who told you “a city ecologist has been out to assess the tree, and determined it a danger to the residents.” ?
No one from the city examined the tree or property before issuing the permit. If they had, they may have uncovered the numerous falsehoods in the application as submitted.
For one thing they would have learned the permit was for a different species of tree.
The permit used outdated information about conditions that no longer existed (the replaced parking lot)
When the repaving happened care was taken to protect Big Red’s roots and they were found to be sound and not encroaching on any facilities of the Boardwalk property.
If you were given alarming information it was inaccurate.
So sad that a few people felt they needed to induce fears in the minds of residents and spread those fears to justify the murder of a sound and healthy tree that posed no danger, only beautification, shade, habitat and an inspiring glimpse of natural majesty in a world much in need of all that is being destroyed by the loss of this harmless historical neighbor.
Maybe Derrick; owner of Cascade Tree Care could cut some large chunks of Big Red’s trunk for potential benches to be made that could be a reminder of it’s glory. Any bench woodcarvers out there? At the very least, a chunk should be preserved for a plaque to be made.
I am incredibly disappointed in the mayor, city council, and city attorney. Not one of then answered the protestors multiple phone calls, or even had the decency to return any of these calls. AND, they certainly didn’t have the courage to show up for such an important issue. They were conveniently MIA. Not any one of them will ever have my vote again, especially Mayor Rosen.
All who have loved and honored Big Red’s majestic presence in Edmonds over the years, please come by tomorrow to pay your respects. Let’s not let Big Red disappear without sharing our gratitude for the 105 years it has graced our city with its strength and beauty. If you would like to work with others and the city to save heritage, legacy trees, be sure to find the signup sheet. Let’s let Big Red know that even when gone, it won’t be forgotten!
Edmonds always boasts that it’s a Tree City, USA. This abomination should earn the city demerits for this year’s application. A very sad day indeed.
Unfortunately, Council decided to remove ALL Boards and Commissions meaning we have loss our Tree City, USA designation. Shame on Council as there is code to prevent this type of healthy tree removal; but the Staff haven’t followed that code for a long time despite my continued reminders as a Council Member to the Mayor and staff handling the code.
The City is wasting so much money on these unnecessary environmental actions that continue to make citizens distrust government. Without boards and commissions, where are the volunteer voices? What ever happened to the Heritage Tree Program that was part of the Urban Forest Management Program? Has the Tree Code been fixed or is the City still appealing the Rimmer lawsuit that took over two years of attorney expenses to find our code is incorrect and now the City is appealing rather than fixing the code? Who is watching these legal fees? The Perrinville debacle, another loss cause, took five days where the City was paying for staff, attorney and hearing examiner – all for another bad environmental code process.
The removal of Big Red should wake people up that the City Council and Mayor can do better and stop this unnecessary spending of legal fees to ruin our environment or pure drinking water.
Citizens deserve better – don’t trust the politicians until they start listening.
This is so sad. I give credit to the citizens who took the time to protest for what they truly care about. So much is unknown about all of this the who the why all of it. It is a pretty old condo. Maybe the tree cutters will let you all have a slab or something and you can make it into a patio or deck table. Keep passing it down to the next generations. Again I am so sorry.
Edmonds needs to protect the few heritage trees that are left in our beautiful city. Unfortunately, we could not save Big Red. It’s time for the major and council to adopt codes that will prevent this from happening in the future. It was a very sad day!
Have Edmonds heritage trees been identified?
It wasn’t the mayor, council or staff that took down the tree. When there are no laws preventing an action – on private property- they are required to follow the law. Had they interviened, the city would be liable and found guilty in court in addition to legal costs. Secondly it was the condominium group that took down the tree! Blame them!
If you want to blame someone, blame the person who 105 years ago planted the wrong type of tree in the wrong place without considering the long-term consequences. If they had chosen a more appropriate species to plant, say, one that was native to this area, we wouldn’t be going through all this.
Those of us who love trees find them to contribute to the beauty of the landscape and their contribution to the complexity of the land. Big Red was certainly a majestic tree that added to the history and beauty of Edmonds. Shame on us for allowing this destruction.
Does the police dept have a policy about monitoring public protests with un-armed personnel? the response of 6 vehicles and armed officers to interact with senior citizen tree huggers ( i use that term positively) seems weird. But I don’t know what their policies are. I hope the department never paid overtime yesterday because of this big response.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of this venerable tree. And also ver saddened and disappointed by the ineptitude of the city in handling this situation. Beginning with the failure to adequately verify support for the removal permit application compounded by the failure to inform Mr Weaver that his appeal was not properly submitted. Most of all I am disappointed by the failure of Mayor Rosen to in any way communicate with concerned citizens let alone bring some useful wisdom to bear. I will continue to cherish the memory of this landmark. tree, hope for the health and presence of Edmonds remaining trees and look for some kind of acknowledgement from the mayor of what might be learned from this to improve future prospects. I am grateful to all citizens who took up the attempt to save and now honor Big Red.
I’ll bet there are a lot of people living up the hill who will be very glad to have this tree out of their view. I love trees, but don’t believe they are appropriate in view areas…. Luckily I have no pavement around my second-growth evergreens. They live happily together in a clump on my property. Plant your own trees and watch them grow….
Tracy –
You’d be surprised how many people living up the hill from ‘Big Red’ came to us saying how saddened they were to have ‘their tree’ removed as they would watch its limbs greet the weather.
In fact, a person living up the hill was alone and sick on a Christmas, and looking at ‘Big red’ was her only company.
Dennis Weaver
35-Year Boardwalk Resident
1024 5th Avenue South
425.774.8971
It was my honor to stand with several dedicated people on Sunday and Monday that cherish Big Red, a 102 year old coastal redwood, in hopes of stopping the removal. Thank you Dennis Weaver, for your many efforts to try and stop this tragedy. I’m so sad and sorry it wasn’t successful.
I feel this could have been avoided if Edmonds City Council would stop postponing putting together a tree code plan and start enforcing it. I had hopes that Mayor Rosen would finish this important task when taking office but I’m beginning to see this is not important to him . It is however, important for Edmonds legacy trees, our citizens , and our reputation for being a “green city”.
Soooo Sad.
this tree has welcomed visitors and residents entering our town for a century,
The condo association chose the easy way out. I am sure with a small bit of thought they could work around the logistics of this.
Too bad that the easy way won over the right way
The Boardwalk Board and the City killed ‘Big Red’. The Boardwalk Board President applied, without authority, for a permit to remove ‘Big Red’ and knowingly submitted incorrect information. The City Planning & Development Department failed in its due diligence, didn’t visit the site, relied on a faulty arborist report and issued a Permit to remove a giant sequoia, NOT a coast redwood. Mayor Rosen was fully aware of the many errors in the application and approval process. He had the life of ‘Big Red’ in his hands. He had the discretion, the authority and the obligation to rescind the Permit.
The City Attorney gave the City decision makers some bad advice.
The City of Edmonds allowed the destruction of ‘Big Red’ on their watch.
I thank all those Friends of ‘Big Red’ who, on Monday, gave their heart and soul to the protection of ‘Big Red’. It was a very emotional day. Many had to be consoled over the loss. Thanks for the many, many, many e-mails and phone calls pleading with the City to save ‘Big Red’
Edmonds celebrates its Theater and Bakery for being 101-years-old. ‘Big Red’ was 102 and they cut it down.
I hope you find peace by paying tribute to ‘Big Red’ in your on way.
Dennis Weaver
35-Year Boardwalk Resident
1024 5th Avenue South
SaveBigRed@hotmail.com
“The Boardwalk Board President applied, without authority, for a permit to remove ‘Big Red’ and knowingly submitted incorrect information. ” This is a lie, Dennis. Stop spreading it.
And so something wonderful is lost, something that took a century to grow and can, and will not be replaced. We leave a more and more barren Edmonds to our children and grandchildren, and on down the line. Short-term thinking, supine council and city. Very, very sad.
Regardless of who is to blame, a 105-year-old redwood stores massive amounts of carbon. Big Red was a local warrior in fighting climate change and helping to deliver on the City’s Climate Action Plan goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Redwoods are up to three times more effective at carbon sequestration than any other tree species. Left undisturbed, Big Red likely had centuries of future service ahead of it (redwoods can live up to 2,000 years). And it never sent the City an invoice for services already performed.
Thanks for the correction, Dennis. Sequoia, not redwood. For the record the points I made above stand for the sequoia as well (which can actually outlive a redwood). A hundred-year-old sequoia averages 1.2 tons of carbon storage – and unlike most other older species increases its storage as it continues to age. Thanks to Dennis for all your efforts on this.
Steven –
I meant to say that the city issued a Permit to remove a giant sequoia and not a Permit to remove a coast redwood which is ‘Big Red’.. Sorry for the confusion in my writing
Dennis Weaver
35-Year Boardwalk Resident
1024 5th Avenue South
SaveBigRed@hotmail.com
Steven, for the record, Permit was for a Sequoiadendron gigantea, aka giant sequoia. Big Red’s identity was a Sequoia sempervirens, (Latin meaning : ever-flourishing, or always living) aka coast redwood, two very different albeit related species.
I am heartbroken. I stood by that tree, on the sidewalk after being threatened with arrest, all day yesterday until the tree “care” company left.
I came prepared with ear and eye protection so I could be there with Big Red because I just knew in my heart that it could go this way. 102 year history thrown in the chipper by some casual guy occasionally having a laugh and a smoke while Edmonds residents watched in dismay, and often in tears.
Mayor Rosen sent a message loud and clear by not responding to this matter in any way. I see where I currently stand as a citizen who loves Edmonds for its beauty.
I will not forget this and as the chainsaw noise gets even louder in the coming days when they start on the trunk of Big Red, Edmonds will hear it. Loud and clear.
Is it true that our city parks are on the chopping block next? Possibly being sold to developers?? What is going on in my city?!
Anyone who can show at the 6pm city council meeting tonight really should. WE need to be louder and more clear than ever. We need to stand up for our beautiful city.
Is this all an April Fool’s joke? Wake up people. The town is broke from the Liberal policies of the previous administration. We have a council member now saying she is going to hold up the comprehensive plan (not the comp plan, or compensation plan, as she confusingly refers to it) so that we can devote all kinds of City resources to a “tree code.” On our dime! It feels like a number of our Neighbors believe that money literally grows on trees. No that is not true. It only grows on the backbone of smart Fiscal Policy. Let us not forget that every one of us in Edmonds lives on a property that was logged and clear cut for profit, and we have named parks and streets after the Men who did just that. It is called prioritization people. Look it up.
For a mayor who ran on his transparent communication, he sure was silent during this whole months long episode. Understanding this was a private property permit that drew considerable attention (to put it mildly) perhaps mayor Rosen could have used those communication skills to mediate a solution. I’m sickened by this outcome! I stood under Big Red yesterday and it was impressive. I hope the mayor drove down 5th late yesterday or early this morning and saw the destruction; but I doubt it. Let’s stay aware folks before our piece of paradise is paved and they put up a parking lot.
Absolutely disgusting outcome. May all the residents who supported this removal, as well as the city, some day feel the full weight of this heartbreaking decision.
So disappointed and disheartened about Big Red. I AM grateful that they checked for nests first — many birds are nesting already. Thanks to all the folks who worked so hard to save Big Red, and shame on those who have let it go. Now, let’s get down to business to save others. Take care of our trees, Edmonds! Learn how you can help — email friendsofedmondstrees AT gmail DOT COM
You can’t always get what you want. It’s tough. This poor group has been through so much. Losing a tree, changing from loving E-cars to hating them over night, mourning the loss of deported gang members. What a month.
Matt G.- Your callous comment is much more telling about the author than the subject matter. Why would you even bother to write such rubbish? Grow a heart.
Who on earth, outside the fevered Fox universe, thinks anyone now hates electric cars or mourned for gang members. No one I know. Come out of the foetid Fox bubble and find out what real people think before you make yourself look ridiculous.
I read online that it is Illegal to Cut Giant sequoia. Lacey Act (1900): The Lacey Act prohibits the trafficking of plants and wildlife that have been taken or traded in violation of state or federal laws. This means that cutting down giant sequoias without the proper permits can lead to federal violations under this act.
Just to clarify — this tree was a redwood.
From the next article here:
“In different research to better understand environmental concerns, 4-H surveyed 1,500 teens from 13-19 years old. They found that “addressing climate change NOW is top of mind for 84% of teens.” The teens surveyed believe that waiting to act will be too late for future generations. What’s notable is that the vast majority of teens surveyed by 4-H said they would like to be part of a solution in addressing climate change.
This is a big deal. Over 80% of teens want to be a part of the solution. With young generations being aware of these issues, this increases the odds of change for a better future.”
This can give us some hope!
I realize hind sight is always perfect and this is probably what I’m engaging in; but I’m going to do it anyway. Perhaps all you folks that are so proud of yourselves for defending “Big Red” should have gotten together earlier and tried to proactively work with all the homeowners of the Boardwalk to figure out some way to prolong the tree’s existence. Maybe you could have started a go fund me account for a fund at the HOA’s disposal to take care of any (or at least some) of the future costs of keeping the tree that might have fallen on them (no irony intended but I’ll take it). Blaming the Mayor and City Attorney now is easy low hanging fruit, but the truth is smarter action and personal spending on your collective part at the start of this process might have given the tree at least a reprieve until a real problem about it’s continued existence became obvious. It seems like lots of folks in Edmonds are good at telling other people what to do for the good of all, but are a little weak in the helping them with the financial aspects of doing that greater good.
Clinton –
Thank you for your comment. I offer a little info from the inside. Believe me, I tried your route on many occasions. Under normal circumstances, a conversation with a Board may have worked Unfortunately, the Boardwalk Board follows no RCW & WUCIOA Rules & Regs required of HOA Boards: Presentation of Proposal, Discussion, Motion Offered, a Second to the Motion, Discussion and Vote, all in front of the Homeowners, along with published Minutes.
The only way to enforce compliance is to sue and who has that deep of pocket?
Talking with the Board, negotiating with the Board did not work. The Past President, and in intimidating the current Board, the Board was absolutely dead set to remove ‘Big Red’ come hell or high water.
The Board is secretive and deceitful. ‘Big Red’ did not appear on the 2025 Ratified Budget. So, to the surprise of Homeowners, on Friday night, March 28 @ 5:31 PM, we were notified via e-mail that ’Big Red’ was coming down on Monday, March 31 @ 7:30 AM. We Homeowners still don’t know the cost of removing ‘Big Red’.
The minimal cost of maintaining ‘Big Red’ would fall under ordinary maintenance, not unlike painting, elevator, landscaping, etc, costs of condominium ownership.
Dennis Weaver
35-Year Boardwalk Resident
1024 5th Avenue South
SaveBigRed@hotmail.com
Clinton- I had similar thoughts to the actions you suggest BUT: (1) Like many, I was not aware of the gravity of the situation until I read an article in MEN on Sunday (thank you, MEN!). (2) I and others tried to appeal to both city staff and the condo owners who wanted the tree cut, in the hope that a stay could be issued so that other solutions could be considered. One we had in mind was starting a Go Fund Me Account so the Boardwalk Condo owners would not have to worry about bearing the cost, should future driveway repairs be needed. Sadly, neither effort was successful. The homeowners who want the tree cut down would not speak with us and our voicemails to city staff went unanswered. In hindsight, it seems this should have and could have been stopped. First, it seems we need a tree code that protects legacy trees. Then we can figure out ways to help property owners maintain those trees. I’m pretty sure that many would readily donate to a city fund for that. For now, I can only hope that magnificent 102 year old Big Red is not dying in vain, but will serve as the motivation we apparently need to protect what matters to us.
Why do we think that the owner of a tree company that is being paid to take down a huge tree (maybe charging Boardwalk as much as $40,000) will have both the expertise and intention required to stop the project if there were birds nesting in Big Red? Since we know this is nesting season, and those of us who were there yesterday could hear much wildlife activity in the higher reaches of the treat, why was there no official inspection performed by wildlife experts? If there had been confirmation of nests being present, the felling plan would have stopped, and if we had an emergency moratorium put in place by the council right away, Big Red would still be with us today. These lessons must be learned so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past.
I have been following the story of Big Red since all of this started. My thoughts are this. Hundreds of tall evergreen trees have been cut down in Edmonds uphill for several years now. Where we used to have Eagles often in the tops of these trees there are none. Bottom line is this if your state mandates extreme growth in housing and developers develop to make money then it’s only going to get worse in the future. This is why voting is so important. When it comes to politics it appears to me the R has turned into the L when it comes to caring about trees. They say the L plant little trees they will grow…in the interim the wildlife will suffer greatly for 30 years . Doesn’t sound like the L I knew. Paradise Parking Lot… Big Red is an example of what I have been watching for several years. I am sorry to make this political, but it is political. I think 4 states in this country mandate housing. 3 of which are WA, OR and CA. Do we all in Edmonds need to share in the taking on of new housing? Yes absolutely. There are a few ways I see to make this better for people who want or need housing yes…Cont.
cont. Bear with me. WADE JAMES Theater is very old and that sloped land is a perfect place to add a nice tall apartment building aka condo whatever. I know it’s your woodland park one of the many here but its huge. If we sell this to a developer we get bank…We satisfy a lot of our housing needs and sure some trees will have to go but not that many. The rest of those trees will house our wildlife and our wonderful birds eagles bugs all that we need for a clean balanced environment here in Edmonds. There would be someplace in Edmonds where these wonderful plays can be held. Or we can use a building we already have in the Bowl or elsewhere in our city. When the trees started going 5 corners I called the Tree Board. I said come and look I hear all of these chain saws, they were rude…I’m old they said go run down the street and where is this happening? I said its close I can hear it easily. I said can’t you come and look, they said no and they didn’t. I could give you many examples all of these trees were tall carbon catching evergreens. Everywhere. I am Very Sorry about Big Red maybe it didn’t die in vain. Maybe BR taught us 2 Care.
cont. Did anyone watch the Series Weeds? The song little boxes on the hillside and their all made out of ticky tacky little boxes on the Hillside and they all look just the same…There are red ones and…When Joni sang Palisades she was in CA…History is worth looking at young folks. And once again my heart goes out to the people in the Bowl as they there have had it pretty good for a very long time and that’s great but the good, I think caused complacent attitudes. So now let’s pay attention to all of our issues here and remember it all rolls downhill. Being a Centrist as I am now and a former pretty far left female I remember so much. I remember when here in this area our soldiers from Vietnam when they came home were spit on and they I WAS TOLD were expecting crowds of Thanks…We need to come together…Remember that song. Watch A Complete Unknown… Listen to the lyrics and watch the thoughts this is what Liberals used to think..I wish Bob Dylan would write more lyrics now telling you what I am saying. No one can say it like Bob.
Hey Deborah- Pete Seeger sang the Little Boxes song, which was written by Malvina Reynolds – a great song writer in years gone by. Thanks for the memory today as I read MEN. If Pete was alive today we might be able to get him to write a protest song about the risks we have created for our drinking water aquifer in south Edmond.
Maybe Derrick; owner of Cascade Tree Care could cut some large chunks of Big Red’s trunk for potential benches to be made that could be a reminder of it’s glory. Any bench woodcarvers out there? At the very least, a chunk should be preserved for a plaque to be made.
Great idea Char. I always loved going to Chicago years ago and walking along the lake on Michigan Drive and seeing the people playing chess on the concrete tables. There are many things in addition to benches I love the Benches idea that Big Red could give us. I don’t how to carve wood, but I bet someone around here does know how and we could all give donations to pay for the work? I’ll donate for that. Let me know you can come by sometime and pick up a check from me. Deb.
I have been really impressed with the outrpouring of activism and concern lately. I hope we can channel these energies together to really insure environmental protections in Edmonds…for our future Big Reds and not just saving our parks , but adding to our parks. Last night’s meeting was like the confluence of two rivers…leading toward a mighty unified river…parks, creeks, greenspaces, tree corridors, rain gardens, greenstreets, marshes, Shoreline, sea…a unified cared for ecosystem.
We are suppossed to be the caretakers , not the destroyers of what has been given us. We should leave it better than how we found it.
May Big Red lay in peace and strength ..and may her roots bust through that damn pavement and burst through into her second generation of majestry.
What Big Red has taught us is that we must put some kind of reasonable tree removal restrictions in place concerning residential properties…
We must finish our Tree Code with particular attention to preserving our large conifers, our landmark trees.
We must hear Big Reds cry of pain and channel that energy into saving the next Big Reds.
Think about the Perrinville Woods at the headwaters of the troubled Perrinville Creek.
I betcha Big Red would love us to save the Perrinville Woods.
It is up to us.
Let’s do it.
For Big Red.
I’m just spinning here…spit-balling rather…wouldn’t it be nice to have each heritage tree identified, with a small placard? I wonder if Hazel Miller Foundation would care to contribute to the preservation of those trees, and make the trees we so love and admire identified and identifiable for our visitors and citizens alike?
I realize the Edmond’s Parks and Recreation is being run lean, as are many departments now.
I worked with them on the contract for my father and brothers’ memorial bench in Marina Beach Park (across from the children’s play area). It needed an upgrade from the previous wooden installation. New placards were made (as my brother passed w/COVID complications) all for only $3,000. If you’re in the area, take a look for Irving Steinberg and Charles Steinberg. My father and brother respectively.
What do you think of the idea to identify “heritage trees” and create a plaque next to each? Perhaps with approx when the tree was a seedling…what kind of tree it is…
I wonder where we could get the funding? I believe the population of Edmonds would be behind saving the very old-growth trees! There are so many over 100 years old here!!!
Adding to previous post:
The placards for the trees would not cost $3,000 each. I’d volunteer to help identify the trees, if they have not already been identified? Perhaps help with the grant request to Edmonds well-beloved Foundations?
Yes, Tracy…to be fair, since this is your community’s debate and decision, I identified myself as living in Seattle.
In a more equitable world, I would love to see the financial burden of maintaining a significant community asset on private property shared with the jurisdiction in which it resides. How great it would be if homeowners needing assistance could qualify for help with care and necessary removals. No torture intended; just raising awareness of how vulnerable ALL your trees are at this moment. This aspect of the conversation is vital: what DOES it take for a homeowner to privately steward an asset that the whole community benefits from?
May the robust conversation among yourselves continue. Peace.
Tracy,
The bulk of the people at Big Red’s initial cutting on Monday, March 31st are from Edmonds and live very close to Big Red. I am one of those people. I was there every day. I did not, nor did I hear of any “outsiders” showing up to make it “look” different than it actually was. We were all very sincere in our feelings for how, why, and what happened to Big Red.