Removal of Tyee Road trees prompts scrutiny from community groups 

The removal of several trees along Tyee Drive in early August has prompted questions from Point Roberts community groups about whether the trees were removed from the county right of way without the required authorization.
The trees, identified as liquidambars, were planted in connection with the 1995 Tyee Road project, according to research presented by Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee member Allison Calder at the committee's Aug. 20 meeting. Calder said she found county records showing the project was approved in 1995 and was funded in part through the Transportation Benefit District.
Calder said maps she reviewed indicate the three trees removed from the west side of Tyee Drive, south of Benson Road, were within the county right of way. The trees on the opposite side of the road are not, she said.
The groups questioned whether the property owner had obtained the necessary permits to remove the trees. PRCAC members said work within the county right of way generally requires a revocable encroachment permit. They also discussed county requirements for tree-removal permits based on a tree's size and condition.
The trees were part of a community beautification effort, according to discussion at the Taxpayers Association meeting on Aug. 13. Members said the Garden Club had maintained and beautified the area for decades.
The Taxpayers Association called for replacement of the trees, which they say were paid for with taxpayer funds.
“I think there ought to be some accountability and some redress,” chair Mark Robbins said.
The groups also discussed the removal of two trees and two flowering shrubs from the same area a year and a half ago. Calder recalled that the property owner told her at the time that the trees were blocking the view of his business sign. PRCAC members said the trees recently removed appeared to be healthy.
Calder said she has provided Public Works Director Elizabeth Kosa with documents about the Tyee Road project and that Kosa planned to have county staff look into the tree removal. The PRCAC and Taxpayers Association plan to follow up with the county as they seek clarification about the trees’ removal and whether any permits or authorization were required.