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Council allocates $55,000 for immediate mitigation and monitoring of Davis Meeker Garry Oak
Summary
Council adopted a resolution authorizing initial mitigation and monitoring of the historic Davis Meeker Garry Oak following a level-3 risk assessment; the city will fund pruning, cabling, root-zone work and monitoring and return with longer-term maintenance recommendations.
The Tumwater City Council on April 15 adopted Resolution R2025-009 to authorize initial mitigation and monitoring work on the Davis Meeker Garry Oak, a landmark tree that city consultants assessed as posing variable failure risk to public targets.
Staff presented recommendations from a level-3 tree risk assessment by Trodd Prager & Associates. The consultant’s preferred package (identified in the report as “Option B”) combines targeted reduction pruning to lower the risk of branch or whole-stem failure, supplemental structural support and cabling (with a priority on the southeast stem that overhangs Old Highway 99), root-zone management including removal of compacted soil and rock, mulching and planting to improve root conditions, and an ongoing monitoring program with regular inspections every three to five years plus post-storm checks.
City staff described the $55,000 figure included in the resolution as a worst-case preliminary estimate to cover contractor and traffic-control costs; staff said the final outlay may be lower because a newly hired urban forester (starting May 1) will perform some monitoring and in-house work. Lisa (city staff) said the resolution authorizes the initial mitigation steps and directs staff to return with a recommended long-term funding and maintenance plan.
Public testimony during the meeting included several speakers urging long-term, careful stewardship of the tree. Chris Kautsky (Davis Meeker/Garry Oak citizen group) urged gentle, expert-led pruning, soil restoration and public access improvements that respect the tree’s cultural value. Craig Unsold and Dave McCandry, both speaking from preservation and historical perspectives, urged the city to preserve the tree and noted its regional significance.
Councilmember Lietta Dalho moved adoption of Resolution R2025-009; Councilmember Kelly Von Holtz seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Why it matters: The council characterized the action as an initial step to reduce public-safety risk while preserving a locally significant historic tree. Staff noted the resolution is not an end point: it funds immediate mitigation and requires staff to return with options for long-term maintenance funding and monitoring.
Additional details from staff and the consultant’s report: the consultant recommends targeted aerial work, cabling on the southeast stem, significant root-zone remediation, and monitoring after storm events; long-term monitoring at three- to five-year intervals was advised. The resolution requests staff return to council with a budget amendment and a long-term maintenance plan if needed.
