Ingraham update

Ingraham is in the news again.

There is a new proposed addition called the "West Compressed Version". It is so "compressed" that the previous proposal was 17,000 sq. ft. and this new proposal is 18,000 with a terrace and roofed area instead of an indoor courtyard.

By the time the entire project is completed the actual square footage will be closer to 20,000 than 17, 000. I am sure, most of us know that 20,000 is larger than 17,000--thus begging me to ask: What is "compressed" in the "West Compressed Version"?

Careful examination of the records reveals the "compression" to be a "new" tree count, giving the grove 123 trees instead of 133 trees (compressed 10 trees).

What else?

Only trees inside the building footprint are counted as being removed. According to the School District 29 trees will be removed.

BUT 4 trees were removed in February 2008 (one has new sprouts) and 10 Madrone have been "reclassified" as dead or a Hazard. (they have leaves and are green and have new growth which appeared this last summer...) and one Douglas Fir has fallen during last year's storms. Also 4 trees are in limbo, apparently dependent on where the School District builds (which seems odd since the "West Compressed Version" plans have been submitted as finalized).

This means the actual loss in the Northwest Grove of Ingraham High School is 29 + 4 + 10 + 1 + (4) = 44 ( 48) . Oh, and don't forget the 10 compressed trees....

This number does NOT include the construction zone that encroaches upon the critical root zone of OTHER trees. To encroach into this zone is considered a death sentence to the trees due to certain root damage.

How many trees are being removed from the Northwest Grove? Unfortunately I can't answer the question, nor does the May 7, 2008 SEPA, the June 2009 Addendum SEPA or the School District Arborist's report with any clarity.

What is happening in the Northwest Grove at Ingraham High School?
Trees have sprouted new leaves, new sprouts have appeared around the trunks.
The School District has mowed down the New trailing Black Berry, Oregon Grape, Ferns, Fungi and other vegetation...along with tree trunks, damaging the new sprouts. Continual mowing since the fourth of July assures that any berries from the Madrone will be destroyed and thus will make sure there are no new sprouts in the spring.

The Saga of the Ingraham Northwest Grove vs. the Seattle School District is now in the capable hands of Keith Scully representing Save The Trees-Seattle. If you can help defray the legal expenses we would greatly appreciate it.