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Next Level Trail plan clears 32 damaged trees on Walnut Street; board requires replanting
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Summary
The Tree Advisory Board approved removal of 32 trees along the Next Level Trail/Walnut Street corridor and required at least a 2-for-1 replanting plan. Officials said most of the removed trees are mature lindens with structural defects, and plantings are expected in fall 2025 or spring 2026 depending on bidding and contracts.
The Evansville City Tree Advisory Board approved the removal of 32 trees associated with the Next Level Trail project along Walnut Street and adjacent sections, and required a minimum 2-for-1 replacement planting ratio within the parklands.
Paul Bausman moved the motion at the meeting; Paul Johnson seconded it. Board members and staff discussed the condition of many of the existing lindens along the corridor: several showed structural defects and coppiced regrowth from past storm damage, which staff said created included wood and weak union points that increase the risk of splitting.
“We are replanting a variety of native hardwoods,” Sean said when asked about replacement species, and the board agreed to include some lindens where appropriate to retain historic character while avoiding monocultures.
Sean and other board members noted the project is out to bid; plantings could occur this fall or as late as spring 2026 depending on contractor scheduling and bid awards. The board also discussed the need for a crosswalk or landing to connect neighborhood access points to the trail because people currently cross at nearby streets to reach the trail.
Ending: The board approved the removals and required staff to finalize the planting plan and to coordinate timing with the contractor and NDOT/INDOT as needed.
