Commission discusses Spokane County tree removal near Liberty Lake; staff to share county message with residents

Commissioners told city staff they had received public complaints after Spokane County began removing black locust trees along Sprague near the Liberty Lake Golf Course. The commission discussed ownership, notice, and replacement planting timelines on Jan. 21.

David told commissioners the trees are on county property and that some city staff were providing traffic control while the removal work began. He said the county’s public works crew started the work that day and that he had taken photos of the activity. David offered to ask the public works director for the message sent to the three residents who had spoken at council and to circulate that content to the commission.

Several commissioners acknowledged the aesthetic value of the flowering locust trees and that residents had strong emotional responses. One commissioner noted the average lifespan of a black locust tree is about 60 years and said residents worry about replacement timing; others pointed out the city is a Tree City USA community and that removal without clear replacement plans can cause frustration. David said replacement and upgrades along Sprague are possible in the long term but depend on county priorities and funding.

Commissioners discussed options to help residents connect with the county department responsible for the work, including providing contact information at city hall or in social posts and sharing any county communications once received.

What happens next: David will check with the public works director about the notice and content of communications to the residents and share that message with commissioners so they can respond to constituent questions.