With regard to the removal of trees
At CPRD, we share the feelings of loss connected with the removal of longstanding trees at Chehalem Aquatic and Fitness Center. The decision to remove them was made with great care and study. We want to share how those decisions were made, and assure all of our patrons and neighbors that safety was our top priority.
The original plan with the new construction of Chehalem Aquatic and Fitness Center included the removal of all but 29 trees.
CPRD consulted with three different arborists assess the trees before we made the decision to cut them. They all agreed that the trees were rated poor to very poor. None received a rating of good.
Once those initial trees were removed, unexpected poor conditions were revealed in the remaining stand of 29 – including disease, insect damage, sap bleed, and asymmetrical tops. The expert opinion was that these trees would potentially pose a safety hazard under windy conditions. Residents living near the trees also shared this concern for the safety of their property, and contacted the agency, requesting we remove the remaining trees. After careful evaluation, we decided to remove 20, leaving nine (seven Oaks, one Cedar, and one pine).
CPRD had an arborist on site during the removal process.
Superintendent Don Clements said, “The trees were at the end of their life, and we made a conscious decision to prioritize safety. I don’t think anyone in the district wanted those trees to come down, but there comes a point when safety overrides everything.”
We are repurposing some of the trees by spreading their chips onto trails within the Chehalem Heritage Trails system. We’re also working on making special artistic awards from limbs for the CPRD Camellia Run in April.
The property itself we plan to landscape with thousands of native shrubs and more than 100 new trees, which are suited to the landscape. We are dedicated to creating natural beauty as part of the new face of Chehalem Aquatic and Fitness Center, and making it a place you will enjoy and be proud to be part of.
The Board of Directors is available to hear your comments in person at its regularly scheduled meetings, held at 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month (with exceptions for holidays and also July) at CPRD Administration Office, 125 S. Elliott Road in Newberg.
