Eagle habitat may affect plans for Pioneer Park tree removal

America’s national bird may stump part of a tree-thinning project at Pioneer Park.

The Town of La Conner has been advised by an urban forestry services consultant that more than 40 trees in the park, a popular trail hiking and public events venue – including the annual Pioneer Picnic – have structural defects or are in decline, posing potential isolated hazards.

A large winter windstorm during the COVID-19 pandemic uprooted a handful of trees in the park, some of which crashed onto the roof of its historic sheltered community kitchen building. That windfall damage ran more than $30,000.

Thus, the Town’s decision to seek a professional assessment of the health of Pioneer Park’s tree stands.

“Overall, the forest stand was healthy and the majority of trees can be retained for their continued benefits to the park and its visitors,” reads a summary report prepared by Bartlett Consulting and shared by La Conner Public Works Director Brian Lease with town council members at their June 27 hybrid meeting.

Bartlett’s staff is recommending 27 trees for removal and that another 11 be converted to wildlife snags.

But at least one tree – and perhaps more – literally might not make the cut if they provide habitat for eagles.

Resident Linda Talman cited international law protecting migratory birds and their habitat areas. She said one tree marked to be taken down is inhabited by an eagle.

Lease assured Talman that at this point there are no plans to remove trees.

“The next step,” he said, “is to get (cost) estimates.”

Lease recommended following the advice provided by the consulting arborists.

Councilmember Rick Dole noted that while hiking in the park he has encountered large fallen trees across trails.

Councilor Annie Taylor suggested that when the council does act on the tree proposal that it take the birds and their habitat into consideration.

“It’s the law, an international law,” Talman said.

Mayor Ramon Hayes proposed that the matter be discussed “internally because it’s new information.”

Also at the meeting, resident Debbie Aldrich asked that a building permit not be issued for a condominium at 306 Center St. She cited concerns with flooding in the area and soil contaminants found at the construction site. She said permit approval now would be premature.

Hayes and staff said inflation has precluded total replacement of the fire hall roof. “It’s way too expensive to replace,” said Lease, who expressed hope that a patchwork approach can extend the lifespan of the roof another 10 years. “(Cost) estimates have close to doubled in the last year,” Hayes explained.