Eugene has continued to win annual acclaim as a "Tree City, USA" -- but how is a mystery, as tree cutting seems to be a major activity. Since the infamous June 1, 1997, confrontation over removal of 36 trees for a downtown development, there have been protests over proposed tree removals at Alton Baker Park, Hendricks Park, and on Adams Street, to name a few. Now Charles Wiper III, owner of Rest Haven Cemetery at 39th and Willamette wants to clearcut 3,166 trees for a 40-acre expansion, possibly the largest removal in the city's history, certainly the largest during the 12-year tenure of Johnny Medlin at the permit office.

Wiper obtained a Conditional Use Permit Agreement three years ago, and the understanding of neighbors at the time was that tree cutting would occur in small increments over time. But from today's vantage point, the whole project looks questionable. In the last three years, Eugeneans have participated in the city's Growth Management Study and revisions of the City's Land Use Code, and the County's TransPlan and Residential Lands and Housing Study. These processes revealed that residents are greatly concerned about population growth and its environmental and social effects. Land is at a premium, as are natural habitats, and citizens have decided to tax themselves to create more parks. Meanwhile, the value of trees in sequestering greenhouse gases is increasing as global warming increases.

Does it make sense to cut down 3,166 live trees to bury dead people? Even Wiper has admitted that the burial business is down 30% as more people opt for cremation. How many Eugeneans want to be buried at Rest Haven? Wouldn't they rather be buried under a tree than replace one?

City code requires applications to meet zoning regulations. What zoning allows for removal of such a large number of trees? The code also requires that tree removal be compatible with generally acceptable horticultural principles, and that effects on erosion, soil retention and stability, flow of streams and surface water, on nearby trees and windbreaks be specified, as well as the effects on the environmental quality of area, including wildlife & scenic values. A cut of this magnitude would have huge effects. Replanting is required to mitigate environmental impacts, and the impact of removing this many trees would require a lot of mitigation.

How about the city negotiating to buy the land for a park?

Hen Cackles

©Wanda Ballentine, 1998