To the editor:

Undoubtedly the city has already received many agonized letters about the shocking decision to cut down 17 trees and do “significant pruning” of another 35 in Waterfront Park. Literally adding insult to injury, the city of Bainbridge Island plans to spend over $77,000 on this tree massacre. Stop it!

Who is this new staff arborist, whom none of the other arborists, tree experts, or plant specialists have never heard of? None of the aforesaid experts and knowledgeable plant people can see 52 trees with severe damage or impending death in the park.

I’m sure the main concern is liability issues — the city fears getting sued when a branch lands in a storm. Branches do land in storms. Perhaps posting warning signs would be more economical and thoughtful.

Please rethink these trees. I’m sure an expert or two or three would be willing to revisit these trees with the city’s new tree staff person. Weed Warriors and many others worked hard over many years and continue to toil with invasive plant removal from Waterfront Park. Perhaps the city could help — particularly with getting ivy off the trees!

JEANNETTE FRANKS

Bainbridge Island