Tree cutting controversies in Pierce County spark debates

Tree controversies in Pierce County highlight tensions between urban development and environmental conservation. Debates center on habitat preservation, community safety, and sustainable growth. In some cases, like the removal of a 50-year-old cedar in a downtown park, safety concerns about declining health prompt tree removal. Additionally, conflicts over historic timberland, such as at Key Peninsula’s 360 Trails, emphasize the difficulty of balancing recreation and revenue on public lands. These cases reflect the ongoing challenges of addressing environmental impact while accommodating urban expansion.

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.

A local development firm is hoping to build proposed townhomes near Charlotte’s Blueberry Park, on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, in Tacoma, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 1: ARE 100+ TOWNHOMES THE SOLUTION FOR TROUBLED PROPERTY NEAR TACOMA PARK? OPINIONS DIFFER

The project is set for public review this fall, nearly two years after an initial proposal was filed with the city. | Published September 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

“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

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. 3: PIERCE COUNTY WAREHOUSE PROJECT NEAR POPULAR TRAIL APPROVED; 100S OF TREES TO BE REMOVED

In his final decision this week, the hearing examiner said despite opposition the proposal meets city standards “and must be approved overall.” | Published November 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

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

NO. 4: 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

Vandals in recent months used chainsaws to damage trees near the trail at the Puyallup Fish Hatchery, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police posted on social media Feb. 11, 2025. WDFW said many of the trees are between 50 and 200 years old. By The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police

NO. 5: VANDALS TAKE CHAINSAWS TO 200-YEAR-OLD TREES IN PUYALLUP ALONG POPULAR TRAIL, WDFW SAYS

Police say they may have to close the trail to the public. | Published February 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Isabela Lund

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.