City of Sumner: 120 New Conifer Trees Planted Along White River

City of Sumner spokesperson Carmen Palmer shared with Patch a few photos from an effort on Friday in which city leaders along with assorted volunteers planted 120 conifer trees along the White River and gave a positive conclusion to what had at times been a heated issue between leaders themselves last year.

Among those who participated were Mayor Dave Enslow, City Councilman Ed Hannus, Police Chief Brad Moericke and City Administrator John Galle. Local youth and volunteers from the Pierce Conservation District were also on hand, Palmer said.

The group planted 60 Douglas fir and 60 Wester red cedar in the area where in December 2011, City Councilman Randy Hynek was accused of illegally cutting down city-owned trees in an effort to protect other city-owned trees.

The city planted more than 3,000 trees along the river in a conservation partnership with state, federal and local agencies, including the Muckleshoot Tribe in 2006. The plan was to plant the trees, nurture them to an age where they could sustain themselves, then leave them alone. In a subsequent effort to further restore and enhance the riverbank, Hynek proposed the idea of planting some fruit-bearing trees that could benefit the community by their harvest. The result was a grove of 20 walnut trees, just south of 24th St. E.  

Since planting them, Hynek assumed full responsibility for the walnut trees and had maintained them with city property but on his own time. The dust up appeared to have been an issue with (See video also).

In April 2012, Hynek was cleared of any potential charges from the Pierce County Prosecutor's Office over the incident.

During its Jan. 7, 2013 meeting, the Council approved $118.15 for Pierce Conservation District to purchase the conifer trees.