This April, UDOT and Ephraim City, began the removal of a row of historic trees including 39 Russian Black Willows at the northwest gateway entrance to Ephraim. These tree removal plans began with no notification to most residents except a last minute handout provided the day the first six trees were already being removed. Keven Kitchen of UDOT stated that there were only “two Ephraim residents who raised concern”. However, actually, there was expressed concerns from many of the local and nearby residents, and now known to all, a public outcry. Although UDOT seemed to emphasize the reason for the removal was for safety, the primary purpose, barely talked about, was the intended added lane expansion of Hwy 89. However, as was pointed out, there is more than likely adequate room to expand the Highway without the removal of the trees.

For many years, Ephraim’s north entrance has been a beautiful, tree-lined site. This has been one of many “landmarks” certainly worth keeping.

The Russian Black Willows were planted in the 1930’s by Olaf Thursby, Afton Larson, and others. The ditch-water bedside the highway helped the growth making it the stunning entrance it is, to the town, The lifespan of many local willows, poplars and cottonwoods can be over a hundred years old.

Most are strong and healthy, spreading along the west side of the highway, creating a tunnel like entrance into the town. Wisely, over the years, the city has maintained the trees, eliminating the possibility of any branches falling onto the highway.

Kitchen, also stated that “The trees along this stretch of highway are clearly dying. (This is not true) As trees begin to die and rot, they can split and become a very serious hazard…creating potential safety hazards for travelers.” Exactly how many accidents, Mr. Kitchen, have those trees caused in over 100 years? None,

Regardless, as a result of the public response, UDOT chose to “pause the maintenance work to allow time for a more rigorous historical evaluation and to avoid any potential conflicts with the nesting season of certain migratory bird species.” They need to review all environmental impact. UDOT will re-evaluate the necessity of removing the trees and, with that, they have agreed to put the plan on hold until July.

As usual, most trees this spring are lush and full. Recently, several of the 39 tree branches have been cut off. Most exposing a healthy light tan-orange color, which indicates a living healthy tree. Our trees are not only notably healthy but are an aesthetic natural gift to us.

For many other reasons even outside the historic value and integrity, the trees provide other environmental impact, such as the sequestering of carbon dioxide from the air, filtering other air pollutants, supporting bio-diversity, cooling urban areas, and protecting habitat for wildlife such as animal and bird migrations. These trees as well as most trees provide essential contributions to the environment. Many cities throughout the country acknowledge the importance of maintaining existing trees, including all positive contributions to the environment. In many cities, the removal of a tree, even on private property, requires the replanting of a new one.

The lifespan of these local willows, poplars and cottonwoods can be over a hundred years. Of course, trees eventually die and necessarily should be removed, But let’s be reasonable and consider how we can preserve as many as possible and of course, keep planting more and replace those that are removed.

Our current culture of asphalt and concrete damages our environment. Thar’s called “essential progress” at the expense of our heritage and common senses, Our population growth is apparently unstoppable. It seems we barely have enough water to accommodate the masses, not to mention our livestock and crops. Therefore it is critical we find ways to retain and maintain Utah’s heritage.

We sincerely hope we can somehow save our amazing “Gateway to Ephraim” trees, along with many more in this valley. Its our responsibility. And do we really need more traffic lanes on Main Street?

We already have too much engine exhaust and noise.

Onward.

Larry Nielson

Citizens for Historic Preservation