San Anselmo council asks county for tree-protection details after public warnings over Creek Park excavation

Residents and an arborist told the San Anselmo Town Council on Feb. 25 that excavation tied to a county flood-control project threatens long-standing redwood trees in Creek Park, and the council asked staff to seek specific county responses and a tree report before the town clears the project to proceed.

Speakers urged the council to put the topic on a future agenda so the public can review technical evidence. “This is gonna kill the trees,” resident Ross said during public comment, referring to cross-section drawings he showed the county and supervisors. An attendee who said she had an arborist review of the drawings added, “When you chop off half the roots, it’s going to kill the trees or it’s going to create a hazard,” urging the town to require a credible arborist study.

The council’s request reflects concern that the county’s environmental review process and subsequent addendum have not satisfied local residents’ questions. Council members said they want to see a county-submitted tree-protection plan and an applicant-provided arborist report, plus the town’s arborist analysis, before discussing any formal response. Town staff told the council they are still awaiting documentation from the county but can request specific materials now; the council asked staff to press the county for timely responses.

Council member Eileen (first name used in meeting) moved that staff obtain the county’s tree protection materials and that the town obtain or complete an independent arborist report; the council agreed that the matter would be agendized for discussion after those reports are received, with staff aiming to return within roughly two months for a formal agenda item. At the meeting staff said the town will require a tree-protection plan when the county applies and that the town’s report would be presented to council prior to project start.

The council’s decision does not change the county’s ongoing project review; rather, it creates a formal town forum to examine the county’s materials and the town arborist’s evaluation. Residents who testified said they want the town to press the county for design changes or additional mitigations if technical review shows the designs would cause substantial root loss.

Next steps: town staff will formally request the county’s tree-protection submittal, schedule a town arborist review, and bring a staff report and public agenda item back to council after those materials are available.

Ending: The council’s action creates a timetable for technical review but not an outcome; any changes to the county project or formal town conditions would follow the town’s review and subsequent council action.