Goodhue Boulevard trees are safe

The Lincoln Journal Star reported on December 10, that the city withdrew its application to the Nebraska Capitol Environs Commission to remove 24 trees along Goodhue Boulevard. Goodhue is the street south of the Capitol. At A Street, it turns back into 15th Street. 

The plan presented earlier this fall called for the removal of 24 trees. The $140,000 to remove the trees and replace them with 70 new trees come from the  Inflation Reduction Act. Neighborhood residents attended the NSNA  board meetings this fall to address concerns of the tree removal. The board passed a resolution at a special meeting on November 18, to protest the tree removal. 

“Lincoln’s quality of life is strengthened when our community forest is healthy and thriving,” said Parks and Recreation Department Director Maggie Stuckey-Ross. “Our department looks forward to working with the public on a plan for Goodhue Boulevard that emphasizes the safety of the public and the health of our urban canopy. The withdrawal of this application allows us to continue the community conversation and move forward together with a strong plan.”

Vish Reddi, president of the Near South Neighborhood Association, which had opposed the plan to remove 24 trees, said he was pleased with the decision.

"I just want to really congratulate city officials for listening to the neighborhood and the residents," he said. "This really establishes trust. It should give residents a lot of hope in our city officials."

Marcie Young, a neighborhood association board member, said she's gratified they're willing to go back to the drawing board and come up with a plan that has consensus.

The neighborhood association, she said, has donated around $75,000 to neighborhood parks in the Near South, so it was important they had a voice in this discussion.

"I think there's an understanding now about how important community involvement needs to be with the parks department's decisions about trees in this city, in particular with older neighborhoods that have the oldest and biggest trees."

She said she could see a group organizing at a community level to advocate for and help care for city trees.

Parks and Recreation officials say they anticipate continued community engagement as they develop a new plan for Goodhue Boulevard that prioritizes public safety and the health of the urban canopy.

Most of the trees slated for removal are pin oak trees. Records show the trees were planted in 1935, at the request of Ernest Herminghaus, making them 89+ years old.