Council designates giant sequoia at Grants Pass Water Treatment Plant as heritage tree

The Grants Pass City Council on Oct. 15 adopted a resolution designating the giant sequoia at 821 Southeast M Street — on the city’s water treatment plant property — as a heritage tree.

The nomination, recommended by the Urban Tree Advisory Committee, names the specimen a public heritage tree and attaches the city’s additional protections outlined in the Grants Pass Municipal Code. Josh Hopkins, park superintendent, told council the tree measures “about a 120 feet tall, 95 inches in diameter at breast height” and estimated its age at roughly 100 years.

The designation adds restrictions intended to protect the tree’s health, including limits on fill or piling within the tree’s drip line, posting of signs or devices on the trunk, topping, and most pruning without an arborist permit. Hopkins said the code allows work to proceed if a permit is issued and an arborist finds the work necessary. He also noted the city has designated other trees on the water treatment plant property in the past; a cork oak was designated in 2021.

Council heard no public testimony during the public hearing and moved to the resolution. Councilors cast unanimous votes in favor; the motion passed.

The resolution also authorizes a small memorial plaque (staff noted an estimated cost near $300) if council chooses to install one at the site. City staff said the nomination included archival photos showing the sequoia in aerial imagery from the 1930s and 1950s, and that roadway and driveway placement around the tree suggested landscaping had historically been arranged to accommodate the tree.

Council members who spoke during the item praised the tree’s community value and supported the designation. No removal, emergency work, or permit requests related to this tree were reported during the hearing. The council action imposes the city’s heritage‑tree permit and review procedures on future work that could affect the tree.