LAKEWOOD, Washington — A proposed expansion of a semi-truck and trailer parking lot in Lakewood’s industrial Woodbrook area is drawing attention because it may require cutting down an Oregon white oak (Garry oak) estimated to be at least 900 years old.

The project involves a 3.8-acre vacant parcel at 7319 146th St. SW, where the Emerson Lake Business Park has proposed extending a truck-and-trailer parking area connected to an existing lot in the Industrial Business Park, according to city documents.

Property history and permitting

City records indicate the site was heavily cleared previously. Public records show the property owner removed about 70 trees on the parcel sometime between 2023 and 2024 without authorization. The City of Lakewood initially issued a $1,130,724 penalty for what it described as “malicious cutting,” though a city letter dated Jan. 5 indicates the fine was later reduced to $346,920.

Lakewood Communications Manager Kelie Kahler said the original fine was based on a preliminary estimate made before the city had full access to verify impacts. Kahler said the city has requested updated information from the applicant, including an updated tree survey to confirm how many trees were removed, their size, and what mitigation fees apply under municipal code. The city is reviewing a request tied to a retroactive tree-removal permit addressing the prior unauthorized cutting, along with additional permits for developing the parcel, including a conditional-use permit that will be decided by a hearing examiner.

As of Feb. 6, Kahler said a public hearing had not been scheduled.

The tree at the center of the dispute

Local resident Christina Manetti, founder of the Garry Oak Coalition, said the large Garry oak is the biggest she has seen in Lakewood and called the idea of cutting it down “shocking.” A 2025 environmental assessment prepared for Emerson Lake Business Park by Soundview Consultants LLC describes the Garry oak as having a full and healthy canopy with little to no defects, though it noted invasive ivy. The assessment lists the tree at about 60 inches in diameter, with a canopy measured at 5,012 square feet.

Manetti and other residents have argued the tree’s location near protected wetlands adds to its environmental value, citing benefits like stormwater infiltration, carbon storage, and water filtration, especially as industrial development adds more impervious surfaces nearby.

Public response and city context

At a Feb. 2 Lakewood City Council meeting, nine residents testified in favor of protecting the tree and adjacent wetlands. Some also referenced the city’s 2022 decision naming the Garry oak as Lakewood’s official tree, along with Lakewood’s long-term goal of reaching 40% tree canopy cover city-wide by 2050.

Applicant Jason Hubbell, landowner Jane Yin, and representatives associated with Emerson Lake Business Park did not provide comment in the information included with the report. Tax records show the parcel had an assessed value of $1.6 million as of 2025.

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