Strong Point tree survives Council discussion

For months, the community has discussed the fate of the tree at Strong Park. With themes centering around the safety of the walkway path that connects with Birnie Creek Bridge, the Town had discussed the possibility of removing the tree since its roots have created fissures and cracks in its adjacent sidewalk, thus precluding the walkway from ADA compliance. As both the park and the tree sit on the Wahkiakum County Historical Museum's property, the Society’s Executive Board, on Aug. 5, 2024, delivered a letter to Town Council members that stated, "The entire board is against the removal of any trees from our property."

Neighboring a Waterfront Park project that is currently a part of much discussion by Council, Strong Park and its tree were the subject of Monday evening's executive session of Town Council. Following the session, Council approved "a property boundary line adjustment as proposed by the Historical Society, in principal, pending final agreement documents" for Strong Park. "The purpose is to save the tree [and] to save Strong Park from any work at this point of time," said Councilmember Laurel Waller. "It leaves us with the ability to make any decisions about the tree. Our intention is to save the tree and to save the pathway as is."

As Strong Park and the pathway have been closed off to the public for several months, Council also hinted at the opening back up of the park once conditions "appear to be made safe."

Following the Council's motion, Mayor Olson said, "The Historical Society agrees we will no longer have issues about which boundary is where. It would clear the path to get the tree topped, because it is currently hazardous, and that would save the tree."

Stressing both hers and the Council's desire to expedite the process, Waller said, "There is agreement on both sides to proceed. We want Fred [Johnson] to work with their attorney to make the changes that didn't feel warm and fuzzy so that we can give them this path faster rather than insisting on a completed contract to look at."

During call to the public, resident Megan Blackburn Friend, taking exception to the term "topped off" with respect to the tree, proposed mitigation pruning instead "for the longevity of the tree." Representing local group Friends of Strong Point, Blackburn Friend, in an email to The Wahkiakum County Eagle, stated, "We see this as a partial victory. The tree isn’t formally protected yet, but we now have a chance to move forward constructively. This isn’t just about a tree; it’s about honoring the history of this place and making better decisions for the future. I truly hope this marks the beginning of a more open, collaborative chapter between the Town and the community."

Incidentally, the second motion approved by Council following Monday's executive session was “including an ADA parking lot rather than completing Strong Park improvements."