By Mike Hazlip—
A tree removal plan from the city has drawn the ire of a resident who says the city did not solicit input from residents or sufficiently assess environmental impacts.
A March 10 email sent out to the Citrus Heights Area Seven Eight and Nine (CHASEN) neighborhood association from Construction Maintenance Inspector Supervisor Armando Velasquez said 16 eucalyptus trees along Old Auburn Road near Twin Oaks Avenue are slated to be removed beginning March 14.
The trees are near power lines and a bike path and have had branches reportedly breaking at an increasing rate. An arborist hired by the city determined that heavy pruning from SMUD crews in the past “has negatively affected the health and condition of the trees,” prompting a recommendation for their removal, according to the email.
Resident Elizabeth Gallagher told The Sentinel in an email Friday that she has requested the city hold off on the planned tree removal until the the issue can be discussed further.
Gallagher raised concerns over long term environmental impact, and hopes to come to a compromise that might avoid clear cutting all of the trees.
City Communications Officer Nichole Baxter as well as Velasquez were reached out to via email Friday morning by The Sentinel requesting comment on whether the city is still planning to move forward with the tree removal on Monday, as well as inquiring what actions were taken to receive community input and assess environmental impacts. No response was received by press time Saturday afternoon.
CHASEN President Kathy Morris told The Sentinel in a phone call Saturday that the trees are an invasive species and can be removed without an environmental impact report. Morris said the city is looking out for public safety on the busy roadway and bike trail along Old Auburn Road.
Morris said a meeting with the city has been scheduled for Tuesday, which she said the city agreed to “as a courtesy.” She said the project may be able to be held off for several days to get the matter “cleared up.”
By Mike Hazlip—
A tree removal plan from the city has drawn the ire of a resident who says the city did not solicit input from residents or sufficiently assess environmental impacts.
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