Lakewood council approves $300,000 contract to launch urban forestry program amid public outcry over trees cut for I‑5 connector

The Lakewood City Council on Sept. 2 approved a $300,000 contract with EXP LLC to begin work on an urban forestry program and other actions to meet state climate planning requirements. Assistant Director Angie Silva told the council the contract will fund engagement, a 10‑year implementation plan and near‑term work items tied to HB 1181 compliance.

The vote followed a lengthy public comment period in which residents raised alarm about hundreds of trees being removed for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) path and widening along the Gravelly Lake/I‑5 corridor. Christina Manetti, speaking for the Garry Oak Coalition in Lakewood, said WSDOT plans to remove “394 trees, 38 of them oaks,” and described one Garry oak with a 38‑inch diameter that state biologists estimate is at least 570 years old. “If a protected Garry oak that is a minimum of 570 years old is not protected, then really, how can one expect any tree to be protected in Lakewood?” she asked.

Why it matters: House Bill 1181 (HB 1181) requires local governments to add climate resiliency and greenhouse‑gas planning elements to city comprehensive…