PORT TOWNSEND — A $1 million repair and renovation of Jefferson County Courthouse could result in the removal of two century-old trees if their roots interfere with drainage.
County Commissioner Dan Titterness, R-Port Townsend, said the monkey tail trees first started showing up in photos of the courthouse taken in 1903, meaning they are at least 100 years old.
Commissioners winced Tuesday when they talked about the trees during a work session with County Administrator David Goldsmith.
They said they can expect a public outcry if it’s decided the trees have to be removed.
Goldsmith said an expert is going to determine if the trees’ roots have invaded drainage lines, causing them to clog, creating leaks that are damaging the 111-year-old courthouse’s foundation.
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