A grassroots effort by Willits residents to save a pair of redwood trees from being cut down by developers building a new Starbucks has been successful.
A series of letters to the editor posted in the Willits Weekly spurred action, informing community members that Starbucks was remodeling the former Jack in the Box building at the 700 block of Main Street with the intention to remove two large redwood trees on the property. The letter writers argued the loss of the trees would remove needed shade cover, air purification, and carbon sequestration. One letter also pointed out the irony of cutting down two healthy redwoods within sight of the town’s iconic “Gateway to the Redwoods” sign.
At this point, a multitude of community voices joined in and began to reach out to the local officials to protest the removal of the redwoods.
Hal Wagenet, a former Mendocino County Supervisor, told us, “According to my sources, the city advised Starbucks that the tree removal would be expensive and a very unpopular project in this area. After further exploration, Starbucks agreed with that opinion and decided to leave the trees in place. The city was accessible and cooperative on this issue.”
“Saving these highly visible redwoods was the smart choice by Starbucks,” said Greta Kanne, a member of the Willits City Council. “The amount of community ill-will they’d have faced if they had gone forward with the tree removals would have been a poor start to the beginning of their tenure here in our city.”
Kanne emphasized the broader environmental benefits of preserving the trees. “It’s also a win for those who recognize that the value of trees extends beyond property lines and that they provide real benefits to our environmental health.”
However, the initial proposal to remove the trees was aimed at expanding the drive-thru capacity, Kanne noted. “My understanding is that the tree removal had been proposed to expand the drive-thru capacity at that location, as Starbucks is expected to have significantly more traffic than Jack in the Box. I hope they’ve found other ways to use their space in order to minimize disruption to traffic patterns at that busy and important corner. I know city staff have been vocal in sharing their concerns with CalTrans (who signed off on the traffic plan presented by Starbucks) and appreciate their efforts to solve anticipated problems before they impact our residents.”
The issue has highlighted the need for a tree ordinance, something the council has been discussing for the better part of three years. “I hope this episode creates the needed push to get this necessary piece of city code over the finish line,” Kanne said. “I’m cautiously optimistic that we can craft an ordinance that protects trees of a certain size or community importance, but that also respects property owner rights and doesn’t place an undue burden on those who’ve invested in our town.”
Dusty Duley, the City of Willits’s Community Development Director, praised the collaboration between the city and Starbucks. “I think it’s as simple as staff anticipating, recognizing, and sharing the community’s desire to see the trees remain,” he said. “Yes, staff did a good job advocating for the trees and otherwise communicating with Starbucks on this matter, but ultimately Starbucks should be appreciated for hearing us and choosing to keep the trees.”
Duley highlighted the deep community ties within the Community Development Department. “Nearly the entire staff in the Community Development Department was born and raised in Mendocino County, has chosen to raise our families in Willits, actively volunteers our time to different community groups, and is very much intertwined with the community fabric of Willits.”
Come on people, these redwoods are not old growth trees. They are planted trees. If left there they will ruin the foundation of any building built within 6 or 7 feet of the trunk!
Agreed. Redwoods are dangerous & destructive in a setting where there are buildings, sidewalks & streets.
If it’s important to maintain trees on the parcel, perhaps they can relocate new trees in a more fitting location with the new building in mind.
Yeah that should work fine.
Everyone knows its a piece of cake to just dig up an 80′ – 100′ tall redwood that is 36″ around at breast height and move it to “a new location.”
/sarcasm
New trees means ‘new’ trees, not rip out the current or old trees and move them. and No – /sarcasm required
New trees means ‘new’ trees, not rip out the current or old trees and move them.
We already have a drive thru coffee shop, and Starbucks is in Safeway.
That’s right and Starbucks sucks! Screw em!
This is an inspiring story about the community coming together to save the redwoods! What were some of the key strategies or actions taken by the Willits residents to successfully convince Starbucks to preserve the trees? Also, are there any future plans to protect more trees in the area?
Such wond news!
Thank God for some common sense now how are we going to stop the massacre of Richardson Grove on 101 for an extra lane for trucks.when will this ever stop I’m sick and tired of them cutting out precious Redwood tree’s as we all should be.?
Thank God for some common sense now how can we stop the massacre of our giant redwood trees off 101 Richardson Grove over a new lane for trucks we all need to stop this for the generations to come or their will be none, between the fires pg&E our city s countys and government I’m sick of it.please people stand strong and fight for our trees and stop caltrans.
…Why do we need ONE MORE COMPANY taking local money, we have coffee for heck sakes. There is a drive thru coffee place not 3 blocks away. I’m tire of Corporate behemoths sucking up local funds….
That’s correct.
Let’s do whatever it takes to support the small local businesses.
and most of the money leaves the county
The tree should be inspected to make sure it has not been damaged by lightning, as that can cause major branches to fall and those can crush cars or roofs, causing damage, injury and even death. There is also the possibility that the root system isn’t as stable as it should be due to the parking lot covering its roots. That could cause the tree to fall on the Starbuck’s building (or the house behind it). A tree expert really should be called and the tree inspected. I hate to say this, as I love redwood trees but they can be dangerous in populated areas. Yes they reduce carbon and provide welcome shade, but they should still be treated like any other tree and be given a clean bill of health before being preserved in heavily trafficked and/or populated areas. My heart says save them at any cost, but my head says be safe and protect others.
Sarah the voice of reason here. Thank you!
Well thank you! I would like to say save redwoods at all costs but human life is more valuable than that. Sounds anti-environmental but a rash decision that causes death or injury outweighs all.
They look quite well and thriving.
well, here in Lake County “Willow Tree Plaza” cut down the only willow tree there it was named after. How so very weird.