Visitor warns utility transmission-line work is cutting century‑old trees along airport trail

Mariel Frell told the council she received an email from the airport about a planned PUD transmission‑line project and then saw crews begin cutting trees the following night. Frell said the planned route along 59th Avenue will place 85‑foot towers and a new 115‑kilovolt line close to the airport trail and that crews had begun cutting mature Douglas‑fir trees she estimated were planted after World War II.

"They have provided so much benefit to the residents and visitors...if this kind of project continues we'll no longer look like the evergreen state," she said, asking the council to investigate notice procedures and whether the route selection considered alternatives that would preserve large trees or place lines on PUD property with fewer trees.

Frell also noted she found only a small red tag on the back of trees as notice to the public and that she was concerned there is no substation shown near the end of the proposed route. Council indicated staff would follow up with the commenter.