Trees threatened in Pierce County and efforts to protect them

Pierce County is grappling with competing priorities of urban development and ecological preservation. Conservation efforts, like the expansion of the txʷaalqəł Conservation Area, demonstrate partnerships focused on protecting salmon habitats and cultural history while supporting low-impact recreation. Meanwhile, urban tree canopy equity initiatives aim to cool underserved neighborhoods and enhance public health.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

The proposed site where a 256,800 sq ft office/warehouse building would be built on about 19.65 acres of vacant land on the west side of Sequalichew Drive, on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 in DuPont, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 1: PROPOSED WAREHOUSE NEAR POPULAR PIERCE COUNTY TRAIL WOULD REMOVE MORE THAN 450 TREES

“Nobody wants a warehouse in their backyard, but everybody also wants to be able to order stuff on Amazon and have it there the next day,” the development manager said. | Published October 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

“Ticket to Ride” is the 3-mile mountain bike trail at 360 Trails near Purdy. The trail is classified as “more difficult.” It is one way and closed to pedestrians. The parks has plenty of trails that offer easier riding and access for walker, runners, horseback riders and other users. By Craig Hill

NO. 2: LOCALS WANT TO SAVE POPULAR PIERCE COUNTY FOREST FROM LOGGING. THEIR PLAN HIT ROADBLOCK

Key Pen Parks application to take ownership of 360 Trails was rejected this year, but it can try again in 2025. | Published October 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Julia Park

Trees cover Interlaaken Drive between Washington Boulevard and 112th Street SW, on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024 in Lakewood, Wash. Many residents are concerned that the trees will be removed to make room for a sidewalk. By Brian Hayes

NO. 3: PIERCE COUNTY CITY PLANS TO CUT TREES ALONG ‘PICTURESQUE’ DRIVE. NEIGHBORS AREN’T HAPPY

Along Interlaaken Drive, the trees reach 120 to 140 feet tall, and their branches meet in the center of the road, a rarity in the city, said one neighbor. | Published October 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

Trees grow over the sidewalk and street providing cooling shade on North 30th Street in Tacoma, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. By Brian Hayes

NO. 4: TREES SEE PROTECTIONS IN NEW TACOMA HOUSING RULES. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR AFFORDABILITY?

A public hearing on the Home in Tacoma Phase 2 package is set for Tuesday, Sept. 24. | Published September 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Simone Carter

Crews will remove a Port Orford Cedar in failing health on Jan. 30, 2025.

NO. 5: POPULAR DOWNTOWN PUYALLUP PARK WILL LOSE 50-YEAR-OLD TREE DUE TO ‘SAFETY CONCERNS’

“The tree is surrounded by pavement, and the pavement has prevented water and moisture from entering the root system.” | Published January 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alexis Krell

Michael Carey, the city of Tacoma’s urban forest program manager, and Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz walk the neighborhood surrounding Mann Elementary School in Tacoma Wednesday. The neighborhood has only a fraction of trees other parts of the city have. By Craig Sailor

NO. 6: TACOMA GETS $1.3 MILLION TO PLANT MORE TREES IN EFFORT TO PROTECT KIDS, COOL THE CITY

Studies show Tacoma has the fewest trees of any Puget Sound-area city. | Published March 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor

A row of recently planted trees lines South Junett Street in the Tacoma Mall neighborhood, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. The neighborhood has a smaller tree canopy than other Tacoma neighborhoods. By Brian Hayes

NO. 7: THESE 10 TACOMA SCHOOLS COULD BENEFIT THE MOST FROM PLANTING MORE TREES, STUDY SHOWS

A new analysis revealed the priority schools for greening efforts in Grit City. Advocates point out that trees help to cool the city and reduce pollution. | Published April 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Simone Carter

Heavily wooded and deeply shaded, the land around Gig Harbor’s North Creek is perfect salmon habitat.

NO. 8: NEW PUBLIC TRAILS ARE COMING TO 50 ACRES OF PRESERVED SALMON HABITAT IN PIERCE COUNTY

Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy a trail system with a connection to historic downtown Gig Harbor. | Published June 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Carly Vester

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.