Big Red

Photo from MyEdmondsNews

As members of climate action organizations dedicated to preparing Edmonds for climate change, we are deeply concerned about the approved removal of Big Red, a 102-year-old coastal redwood tree located on 5th Avenue in front of the Boardwalk Condominiums.  The City of Edmonds issued a tree removal permit to the Boardwalk Condominium HOA President on December 9, 2024.  Moreover, a land use petition was filed in Snohomish County on December 30, 2024, by a 35-year Boardwalk resident owner.  Since then, the City has put the permit on temporary hold while the legal question is investigated.  According to city officials, the fact that a petition has been filed does not necessarily mean that the City would need to wait for a court decision before reinstating the permit.

At 80+ feet tall, Big Red is not only a majestic landmark but also a vital part of our urban ecosystem, providing shade, air quality benefits, carbon sequestration, and habitat for wildlife.

This situation highlights a significant gap in Edmonds’ policies: Namely, the lack of landmark tree protection code for developed properties.  Neighboring cities like Lake Forest Park and Shoreline have implemented stronger protections for landmark trees, preserving their natural heritage even in urbanized areas.  It is time for Edmonds to follow suit.

In addition, Edmonds’ Climate Action Plan calls strongly for preservation of tree canopy in the strategies under Strategy EN-1 “Increase Carbon Sequestration.”  By removing Big Red, not only is the tree canopy lost but a large amount of carbon will be released into the atmosphere, further contributing to climate change.

Big Red stands as a symbol of Edmonds’ natural history and our shared responsibility to protect it.  We ask the community to advocate for policy change. Edmonds needs landmark and heritage tree protection regulations for developed properties to prevent similar losses in the future.

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Pam Tauer - Climate Protection Committee, Edmonds Climate Advisory Board 
Niall McShane – Climate Protection Committee, Edmonds Climate Advisory Board
Steven Cristol – Climate Protection Committee, Edmonds Climate Advisory Board
Cynthia Pruitt – Climate Protection Committee
Georgina Armstrong – Edmonds Climate Advisory Board
Lu Loree – Edmonds Climate Advisory Board, Interfaith Climate Action, Advocates for Justice - Environment at Edmonds United Methodist Church
Gayla Shoemake – Edmonds Climate Advisory Board, Interfaith Climate Action, Advocates for Justice - Environment at Edmonds United Methodist Church
Greg Ferguson – Edmonds Climate Advisory Board, Edmonds Marsh Estuary Advocates