On Thursday March 16, Carlos Ovalle (founder of the grassroots "People of Long Beach") spotted the tree removal/trimming and spread the word on social networks. The next morning, a group of residents arrived at the site displaying a large sign citing rules/laws they say prohibit the tree removal/trimming during time periods (including now) when birds are nesting.

The City's Public Works Dept. says its actions are permitted, part of a plan to replace and add more trees than it's removing and in a statement says current city policy doesn't prohibit what it did, After temporarily pausing its tree related activities at the site, the Public Works Dept. has indicated it plans to resume them.

[Public Works Dept. March 22 text via Jennifer Carey, Community Relations Officer] The Wrigley Greenbelt Master Plan was developed in 1993. Initial engagement for the Wrigley Greenbelt project began in 2007, with follow up outreach efforts taking place in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2021. The project was also part of the RiverLink Open Space Plan of 2007. Prior to the start of this project, area residents received door hangers and construction notices providing information on this project. Construction signage was also installed at the site with details. The Department is in the process of developing a project webpage which will provide updated information on an ongoing basis.

A total of 98 trees are at the existing project site. Within the project plan, a total of 41 trees are proposed for removal due to disease/death, or to accommodate new growth and expansion of the current greenspace, which will be replaced at a 2:1 ratio. At least 96 new trees will be added as a part of this project, resulting in an overall increase of at least 50 trees within the space. Of the existing 98 trees, 57 trees will remain in place, 12 of which design plans are being modified to avoid removal. The Conservation Corps are acting as a partner in this project and making use of trees being removed to use as lumber as part of a separate grant funded project.

All tree removals are being overseen by a certified arborist to ensure that activities are in alignment with all applicable policies and procedures. The Department of Public Works takes great care in ensuring tree removals are handled in an environmentally responsible manner which takes into account the wellbeing and care of all birds and wildlife. As an extra precaution, the City has paused planned tree removal work at Wrigley Greenbelt to allow time for further evaluation and will have a biologist or ornithologist inspect the existing trees prior to any additional tree work occurring at the site. The Tidelands Tree Trimming Policy which limits tree trimming and removal activity to September 1 through January 15 does not apply to the Wrigley Greenbelt Project, as it only applies to trees within the coastal area. The City has approximately 93,000 trees to maintain citywide, making it critical that tree care continues year round.

However veteran environmentalist/wildlife protection advocate Ann Cantrell (who has for years urged a clear policy against trimming trees during bird nesting months) cites a 2009 Parks Dept policy -- not mentioned in the Public Works Dept. statement -- that is inconsistent with the Public Works Dept. actions. "It says no tree trimming from Jan. 15 to Sept. 1 except for public safety," Ms. Cantrell says. "If the trees must be removed during nesting season, they must be inspected by a biologist or ornithologist BEFORE any work is done, not after."

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