Council approves planting a "Liberty Tree" elm in Maple Park; lighting deferred

The La Conner Town Council voted to approve planting a commemorative "Liberty Tree," a Princeton elm, at Maple Park and deferred action on lighting and signage to a later meeting.

Ollie Arveston, chair of the parks commission, introduced Michelle Clark, a co‑chair of a local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, who said she located a disease‑resistant elm at Urban Forest Nursery and that the nursery owner, Jim Barbarinas, may transport and plant the tree free of charge. "I'm here tonight hoping to get approval to have an elm planted to represent the original Liberty Tree," Clark said.

Town planner Asia raised concerns about illumination and nearby residences and wildlife, noting the need to limit light levels and to design fixtures carefully. Asia told the council that under current site regulations any plaque “can be no larger than 3 square feet,” but added the code could be revised if necessary. Public works staff and the nursery will be asked to advise on placement to avoid future root‑zone conflicts.

A council member moved to approve planting the elm now while leaving decisions on lighting and plaque details for a future meeting; the motion passed by voice vote. Council members agreed staff should work with the nursery and public works on exact siting and return with lighting and plaque proposals in a couple of weeks.

The council’s approval covers the tree planting only; subsequent meetings will address the size and design of any plaque and whether solar or recessed ground lighting will be used.