Poulsbo needs a tree-retention ordinance

Published 1:57 pm Friday, January 8, 2016

It was ironic that the evening I was ready to write this, I read a quote by Mayor Becky Erickson: “Yes, look for more houses being built — a lot more. But watch for more stringent rules on tree retention.” (“Expect steady growth in 2016,” page A1, Jan. 1 Herald.)

Well, this is coming too late for two areas I am directly involved in. The first, the new development across the street from Poulsbo Elementary. The land was stripped a year and a half ago to prepare for 90 new homes. The other is even closer to my heart, as it is literally in my backyard.

I came home from work about a month ago to find yellow tape on the trees in my flower beds. This week, the trees are gone. Next, the ferns, the huckleberries and the trilliums I watched bloom each year. It is the first time in my life I have cried over the loss of a majestic cedar.

I understand the need for new homes as we welcome new families into our community, but I don’t understand the lack of a greenbelt and stripping the land. This was blatant greed.

City of Poulsbo — City of Trees — your stringent rules came too late for Claire, Gray, Rian, Henley, Storey, James, Kristie, Johnny, Shaa, Coriana, Kobe, Kamora, Greg, Abby, Maddie and Delaney.

Claudia Alves
Poulsbo