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CAP Board approves eight additional Upper Mall trees, aiming for 20-tree plan while affirming ADA access
Summary
The board approved adding eight more trees in the Upper Mall to complete a 20-tree plan (12 already planted), with staff and members noting the need to balance canopy goals with ADA sidewalk alignments and to clarify net canopy and parking impacts from recent building projects.
The CAP Board voted to authorize planting eight additional trees in the Upper Mall as part of a Department of Administration-developed 20-tree plan intended to expand canopy, comfort and ecological resilience while preserving historic views and ADA access.
Executive staff said 12 of the 20 trees have already been planted in locations aligned with previously approved ADA sidewalk schematics; eight remaining tree locations were proposed but originally conflicted with an ADA sidewalk alignment. Staff recommended planting the eight trees consistent with the Department of Administration's 20-tree plan and urged continued confirmation that ADA and universal-design goals remain central.
Senator Nelson and other members asked whether the approved plantings would produce a net increase in campus canopy after the State Office Building construction had removed trees; Executive Secretary Cedar Lichtdahl reported the campus has planted roughly 180 trees and that some removed surface parking (Lot N) is being replaced with trees, creating a net increase in tree canopy when the State Office Building project is complete. Staff committed to follow up with a precise accounting of net tree canopy and with details about net parking changes.
The board moved, seconded and approved the resolution by roll call; ayes were recorded and the chair announced the motion passed.
