Vegetation must go from Island dikes

Trees, shrubs and blackberry vines must be removed from Puget Island dikes, commissioners of Consolidated Diking District No. 1 reported this week.

They have scheduled a public meeting next Tuesday, 7 p.m., in the Puget Island Fire Hall to discuss the issue.

According to a notice from the district, which may be found in this week's legal notice section, the US Army Corps of Engineers has revised dike maintenance standards to require that there be no trees or large shrubs or other vegetation on the inside or outside of the dikes.

Engineers say experience in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina shows roots can become channels for seeping water and weaken dikes.

All trees, shrubs and brush more than two inches in diameter must be removed, and dike right-of-ways must be kept clear of vegetation which obscures inspection. Ground cover is not to exceed 12 inches in height.

The requirements are to be applied inside and outside the dikes to a distance of at least 10 feet from the toe of the dike.

The district will begin maintenance as soon as possible, the notice said. The district will give landowners first opportunity to clear or remove their trees; the district will mark trees for removal