Supervisors To Re-examine Elm Tree Issue

Sonora, CA — The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors will once again examine the issue of heritage elm trees in Columbia State Park.

The board will be examining the much anticipated arborist reports to determine whether the trees will be left standing, pruned or cut down.

The question arose after limbs from the 120 year old trees fell to the ground earlier this year.

Several of the trees were removed before the supervisors placed a moratorium on the cutting until the issue could be given a closer look.

After two tree experts filed widely conflicting reports to the board, a third was brought in.

County officials believe the trees are a public safety hazard, however opponents to the cutting say the hazard can be mitigated with ongoing maintenance programs.

The issue will come before the board tomorrow morning at 11:00 in the board chambers on South Green Street in Sonora.