Cowlitz County to start three‑weekend North Parking Lot tree removal and resurfacing work

Mike Moss, Cowlitz County Public Services Director, told the commissioners that crews will begin phase‑one maintenance this weekend in the north parking lot adjacent to county administration. "We're removing the trees or starting to remove the trees on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday," Moss said, adding the work will take roughly three weekends to remove trees and stumps and to address pavement and curbing.

Moss said the scope includes removing and replacing selected trees, removing stumps, upgrading light poles, grinding and paving the parking lot, replacing curbs, restriping stalls and removing or cleaning a white vinyl fence. "So this is phase 1," he said, and contractors (Bridal Tree Service, working with Public Works) will begin the work on Friday. He said barricades will be set on Thursday evening and the lot will be made available again for the work week.

Commissioners asked whether parking counts would change; Moss said the project will not add spaces, only restore and reconfigure the current footprint. He said staff will e‑mail employees in advance and that the county had consulted with the City of Castle Rock about replacement tree species. Moss discussed a suggested species (an "afterburner black gum" referenced by staff) that staff said has deep roots and a long lifespan and may be suitable for replanting in the lot.

Some residents and commissioners are expected to be disappointed by tree removal because the trees are currently in leaf. Moss said the county will evaluate planter options for the central area and confirm replacement plans after initial removal. Work will proceed unless weather prevents safe operations; Moss said the county would "send out a press" notice to staff and the public.

No formal action beyond staff direction to begin contracted maintenance was recorded in the public transcript.