Washington, DC Plans Seawall Repair by Removing 160 Cherry Trees

The National Park Service announced on Wednesday that they will be removing almost 160 cherry trees in Washington, DC to repair the city's deteriorating seawalls.

The $113 million, three-year project will start in late spring and early summer near the Tidal Basin and along the Potomac River in West Potomac Park, following the National Cherry Blossom Festival which attracts crowds to admire the district's famous blooms.

Approximately 300 trees are set to be removed in the construction zones. According to the NPS, over 450 trees will be replanted in the area post-project completion, with 274 of them being cherry trees.

Mike Litterst, a spokesperson for the National Mall and Memorial Parks, emphasized the importance of the tree removal and replanting efforts. He mentioned that although 300 trees are being taken down for the improvement, there will be a significant increase in the overall number of trees in the area.

The thousands of cherry trees in Washington, DC are facing threats from rising sea levels and warming temperatures. In recent years, the trees have been blooming early due to these changes. Moreover, the frequent flooding and deteriorating seawall around the Tidal Basin have caused the trees' roots to be submerged, disrupting the oxygen flow necessary for them to blossom.

According to Litterst, who spoke to CNN, the trees are not able to handle the excessive water. To address this issue, the only solution is to raise the sea walls to prepare for the expected rise in sea levels over the next 100 years.

In order to make changes, they will have to cut down trees like “Stumpy,” a worn cherry tree on the south side of the Tidal Basin that is cherished by many. Around 140 cherry trees will be removed due to construction between the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

The sea level in Washington, DC, has increased by about 1.15 feet in the past century, as per data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is expected to rise even more, potentially reaching 2 to 6 feet by the end of this century.

A foot of sea level rise may not seem like much, but each inch adds more stress on river banks and seawalls, especially during storms and high tide.

According to a recent study in the journal Nature, by 2050, hundreds of thousands of acres of land will face devastating flooding as oceans rise and coasts sink. Cities along the Eastern Seaboard are particularly vulnerable due to a lack of protective structures like seawalls.

In this area of DC, the seawalls are not in good shape, according to Litterst.

The NPS mentioned that parts of the seawalls have sunk up to five feet since they were first built in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Due to this sinking and rising sea levels, water now flows over some parts of the seawalls twice a day during regular tides.

The Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund will provide funding for the seawall repair project. This Act aims to help address the maintenance backlog in national parks by giving the National Park Service up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant improvements.

As the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival approaches from March 20 to April 14, efforts to remove trees are underway. Despite the construction activity happening this year, NPS officials assure that it will not disrupt the festival's visitors, except for temporary pedestrian detours in certain areas.

The repair project was announced by the NPS before this year's blossom festival to allow people to visit trees like Stumpy one last time, according to Litterst.

Litterst explained to CNN that Stumpy represents the impact of climate change. Due to rising water levels, the tree roots, including Stumpy's, are being flooded with brackish water, which is harmful to the cherry trees in the area.

CNN’s Derek Van Dam contributed to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The removal of 160 cherry trees in Washington, DC, for the repair of deteriorating seawalls is a somber reminder of the urgent need to address climate change. The iconic cherry trees, a symbol of spring and renewal, are facing threats from rising sea levels and warming temperatures. The project, while necessary for the long-term protection of the area, highlights the delicate balance between preserving iconic landmarks and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

The sea level rise in Washington, DC, is a testament to the global crisis we face. The expected rise of 2 to 6 feet by the end of the century poses significant risks to coastal communities and infrastructure. The seawalls, built over a century ago, are struggling to withstand the increased water levels, making repairs and upgrades essential. The removal of trees, including beloved landmarks like Stumpy, is a heart-wrenching but necessary sacrifice to ensure the safety and beauty of the area for future generations. It serves as a stark warning of the consequences of inaction and the urgent need for collective action to mitigate climate change and protect our precious natural resources.