FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 24, 2024
Historic and Protected Tree to be Axed by Tumwater City Council Memorial Day Weekend
Part of Washington’s history is about to be irrevocably destroyed the weekend of May 24th. The Davis Meeker Garry Oak in Tumwater, Wash. is 400 years old and is a significant landmark on a trail dating back thousands of years. The white oak is also a state-protected tree species and a historic listed tree. The City of Tumwater intends to cut it down very soon.
Yellow Ribbon Event on Saturday, May 25, 4pm
Save the Davis-Meeker Garry Oak (SDMGO) has organized arborists, historians, naturalists and citizens from around the region to prevent the city’s imminent action. Assuming the oak is still standing by then, they will hold a yellow-ribbon tying event at the tree on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 4pm, Capitol Blvd SE and Almar Lane SE. It will be a friendly, non-violent show of presence and support for the Davis Meeker Oak. Attendees are encouraged to bring yellow ribbons, signs, sign-making supplies to share, simple snacks and musical instruments.
"The report of the city's arborist condemning the tree contains a litany of mistakes. The arborist failed to use arboricultural best practices, ignored recommendations from more experienced parties, and created a report that is a generally poor reflection of the field of arboriculture," says arborist Beowulf Browers.
The tree’s historical name reflects its status as a landmark on the Cowlitz section of the Oregon Trail. The Cowlitz Trail was an east-west trail used for millennia by tribal nations. Later, the tree was a landmark used by non-indigenous settlers heading to what is now Washington.
“It stands as one of the most beautiful and majestic mature White Oaks in our area,” said Su Sikora of SDMGO. “This is not just any tree, but a tree with cultural importance, historic significance and community meaning, a beloved landmark known to many as the big beautiful tree by the airport.”
The Garry or white oak is a state-protected species, and the Davis Meeker tree was listed on the Tumwater Register of Historic Places in 1995.
On May 22, the Tumwater City Council met and failed to take any action to pass an ordinance to protect the tree, despite testimony from citizens and arborists. The council stated that it would instead respect the mayor's decision to cut the tree.
The citizen group said it is determined to stop the destruction of this magnificent tree and ensure its preservation for future generations and to make it safe for the oak stay where it is without threat to public safety. They are demanding that Tumwater City Council save and care for this irreplaceable piece of our heritage.