From the Port of Seattle

The Port of Seattle updated the removal and replanting plans for the Flight Corridor Safety program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport based on input from community members during a series of public meetings and forums.

Based on the public’s input, the Port, revised its approach for two work sites along South 200th Street to remove only existing obstructions and preserving, to the extent feasible, all other trees and vegetation. Replanting will include re-establishing a low-growing forest on-site with a neighborhood vegetation barrier and restoring a tall-growing forest just south of both sites.

The multi-year project, aimed to ensure safe takeoffs and landings at the airport, began earlier this year within four sites on Port property to the south and west of the airfield. The Port Commission requested gathering additional public feedback for two Port property sites that were closest to residences and contained the most conifer trees.

A public workshop was held along with an online open house that gathered additional feedback. The Port updated the program plans based on the public’s favored alternatives which includes a minimum 1:1 replacement ratio and replanting in an off-site location with taller growing conifers where they can grow without the risk of becoming future obstructions.

The removal and replanting for the two sites is scheduled to begin during the third quarter of this year.

For more information on the project, the public is encouraged to stay up to date via an online open house’s library for all materials connected to the project.

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