Cathlamet community fights for Strong Park tree

Cathlamet residents who have ever crossed the Birnie Creek Bridge returning from the Elochoman Marina or headed to the G. Alan Johnson Riverfront trail, are likely very familiar with Cathlamet's Strong Park. The park is frequented by many residents and visitors alike daily, as it is a popular route for walking to the Elochoman Marina. The small park offers a place to take a rest and enjoy the natural landscape and river view. The Town of Cathlamet website describes the park as "Strong Park is comprised of two acres on the Cathlamet waterfront adjacent to the Wahkiakum County Museum." Centered in Strong Park is a Douglas Fir that stands tall like a sentinel, overlooking the riverfront and providing shade to Birnie Creek and Park goers.

The approximate age of the tree has been disputed, with some believing the tree is more than 100 years old and others claiming the tree "probably started growing in 1940." Ph.D. botanist Rob Stockhouse guesses that the Douglas Fir could be at least 150 years old, if not older. A measurement of nearby tree stumps, which were cut down in March of this year on courthouse property, had at least 125 rings and measured approximately 50.6 inches across. The landmark fir in question has an approximate diameter of 61.7 inches. So if a tree with a diameter of 50.6 inches is roughly 125 years old, then a nearby tree of 61.7 inches in diameter could be at least 150 years old. A tree like this provides habitat and food for birds, insects, and small mammals. Its canopy offers shelter and nesting sites, while its bark and roots support mosses, fungi, and invertebrates that contribute to the ecosystem's health. Anywhere from 80 to 150 years of growth and ecological contribution has come from the Fir, from supporting wildlife habitats to stabilizing soil around Birnie Creek.

Pieces of tar and cotton rope embedded at the base of the Strong Park fir suggest it was used as a station for hauling and coating fish traps and seining nets in tar, a practice that extended their durability. This indicates the tree was already mature before fish trapping was outlawed in 1934. While most fish traps relied on pilings, historical and Indigenous records confirm that large trees were also integral to fishing installations. The tree's age, location, and materials found at its base make it a likely link to these traditional practices, underscoring its historical significance to Cathlamet.

In May of this year, the Town of Cathlamet passed Resolution 449-24, "a resolution of the council of the Town of Cathlamet approving the 2024 updated plan for parks and recreation within the corporate limits of the Town of Cathlamet." This outlines the intended renovations for each park within Cathlamet. The resolution includes detailed plans for Strong Park on page 11. The intended plans include "ADA-friendly, lighted, walking paths and Maintaining and improving existing landscapes, including limbing of trees." The plans do not, however, mention removing trees within the park.

Earlier this summer, the Town Council announced their plans to cut the tree in Strong Park as part of the renovation. The Town argues that cutting the tree is necessary, as its roots have created large cracks and fissures in the walkway, leading to concerns about maintaining ADA compliance after the renovation.

Strong Park sits on Museum property, but there is an agreement with the Town to maintain the park. The pathways were installed by the Town in 1991. The roots of other trees have created bumps and cracks in the concrete walking paths as well, such as the young trees planted near the bench and several cottonwood trees surrounding the area. Yet, the only tree planned to be removed is the largest, potentially oldest, tree in the park.

On Aug 5, a letter from the Wahkiakum Historical Society Executive Board was delivered to the Town Council members. It stated, "The entire board is against the removal of any trees from our property. The letter questioned whether the maintenance agreement gave the Town authority over the landscape. It invited council members to attend their next meeting, saying "We are happy to negotiate a reasonable alternative." They say they have received no response from any members of the Town Council.

In the October 21 Town Council meeting, a motion was passed reaffirming the Town's view of its position. The meeting minutes read: "Immediately following the executive session, a motion passed to determine that the Town has the legal right and responsibility to maintain the Strong Park pathways in a safe and ADA compliant manner, based upon the Council's analysis. M/S/V: Chamberlin/Baker/5-0 (RCV: All ayes)."

On November 7, less than two weeks after the session, the Vice President of the Wahkiakum County Historical Society, David Whitney, happened to make a phone call to a friend. In this call, the friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, said to him, "Hey, sorry I didn't get to that tree last week, I'll do it on Sunday." David asked, "What tree?" The friend then informed David that the Town had hired him to cut down a "massive tree on museum property."

Community members continue to advocate for the tree and insist the Town of Cathlamet pursue alternatives to their plans for the Strong Park Pathways. At the town council meeting on December 2, several community members and advocates gathered before elected officials to make their voices heard. Starting the public comments, a Cathlamet resident said, "My opinion is that you guys are here to represent the Town of Cathlamet and what the town wants. We have people on Facebook saying 'We want to keep the tree!' We have native people who want to keep the tree. My children want to keep the tree. I think you guys should listen to that and represent what people really want and that's not what I see happening."

Two brave, local second graders, with some help from their mom, said "We really want to keep the tree because it's special and we think it's really old."

Another public commenter brought statistics, "I'm speaking today to show my respect and support for the noble and dignified, beautiful, old tree in Strong Park. I realize that mine is just one voice and as an individual, a 'newcomer, do-gooder, tree-hugger,' that my view may not be especially valued and given much consideration by Town Council members and the Mayor even." This individual decided that they would instead represent many others by conducting an online poll via social media. The poll allowed participants to select whether they supported the tree staying or being removed. On Saturday, Nov. 30, over 350 community members participated within 24 hours. "People are overwhelmingly wanting to save the Strong Park tree." According to the poll, 88 percent of participants did not want the Strong Park tree to be cut down. "The results and that number of people cannot be disregarded."

A guest, Hugh Amaguq Ahnatook, spoke at the meeting on behalf of the Chinook Indian Nation. "There's really an important lesson in this and it's learning from each other, working with each other. There's things that can happen working together to build the community." Ahnatook stressed the importance of working through hard problems to find common ground and urged the community to take care of the tree, "That tree has been here longer than this town has been alive."

In opening the public comment period, Mayor David Olson said, "Public comment is not a dialogue... it's not a conversation. It's a chance for the public to convey your opinion, your philosophy, on any item. And we thank you for being here to do that... we're here to listen to you. That's why we're here." But given the experience of the last several months, some members of the community have felt that their views have not been heard.

Construction on the park is expected to start in the spring.