COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Caltrans will move forward with removing 43 elm trees along 10th Street in Colusa despite months of community opposition and an independent arborist’s recommendation that most could remain with proper maintenance.
During a Nov. 5 town hall meeting at the Colusa Scout Cabin, Caltrans officials confirmed their decision and said they would provide a removal timeline once they schedule a contractor.
Caltrans will also repair sidewalks damaged by the trees and work with the city to develop a replacement planting plan, with the goal of replanting by spring.
Caltrans officials said assessments and an internal peer review determined that all 43 trees, estimated to be approximately 120 years old, pose safety and liability concerns. The agency reported approximately 100 emergency calls involving the trees since 2010.
Residents questioned the findings, citing an independent assessment by arborist Gordon Mann, who previously told the City Council that most of the trees could remain with structural pruning and continued maintenance.
Councilmember Greg Ponciano criticized Caltrans for what he described as years of inadequate maintenance. Although he opposed the removals, he urged the agency to follow through on its commitment to replace the trees.
“I’m not going to Home Depot or Lowe’s and looking at saplings,” Ponciano said. “We’re going to look for adult trees to help try to restore the canopy that you’re destroying.”
Ponciano also called on Caltrans to cover the costs.
“When that bill comes, I don’t want to have anybody punching pennies. I want you to write a check. You owe that to us,” he said.
Caltrans representatives confirmed that sidewalk repairs would accompany the removal work. Ponciano urged the agency to address additional sidewalk and infrastructure problems along Market Street.
While most speakers opposed the removals, longtime resident Bryant Pearson supported the decision after years of dealing with aging elm trees near his home.
Pearson, who said he has lived on 10th Street since 1976, recalled having five elm trees in front of his property, with only two remaining. He described previous incidents involving falling limbs that closed Highway 20.
“If they were mine, I’d cut them down because I don’t want the liability in those things,” Pearson said.
Caltrans officials said they would work with city representatives to determine replacement tree species, planting locations and irrigation needs. They also agreed to hold another town hall meeting to present the planting plan and receive public comments.
The agency has not announced when removals will begin or provided a firm replanting date.