PRESS RELEASE
Conservancy Files Lawsuit over Tree Ordinances
Re: Case Filed (Click “Case Filed” to Open PDF)
Filed May 18, 2026
for immediate release
RE: Conservancy Lawsuit on Suspension of the Tree Manual
The Whittier Conservancy has filed a lawsuit objecting to the City of Whittier’s elimination of provisions for the maintenance and protection of Whittier’s street trees, parks, and trails. The City’s recent action violates state law and has stripped protection for vital natural resources that belong to the people.
Despite public outcry, at the last City Council meeting prior to the recent municipal election, the previous Council rushed to pass an ordinance to “replace” the city’s Tree Manual with a new document to be revealed in 2028. Until then, removal of healthy city trees falls to the discretion of the city manager, without the public input or oversight that has existed for decades.
A previous vote by the City Council in the fall of 2025 had suspended protective tree provisions until June of 2026. Instead of waiting until after the election to allow the publicly-chosen representatives time to determine whether that suspension should be extended, the City Council voted on March 24, 2026 to eliminate those protections for another year and a half.
The March 24, 2026 vote by the previous City Council has left the newly-elected Council in the unprecedented position of upholding their stated commitment to the community while managing the aftermath of the illegal action of their predecessors. The ball is now in the court of our new representatives.
“The March 24th vote was a last gasp attempt by the incumbents who had tried for years to gut the Tree Protection Ordinance,” said Conservancy President Mary Gorman-Sullens. “Whittier’s environmental community has been trying to hold the line against such efforts for a long time,” Sullens said. “A reconstituted council, including a new mayor, will have to lead the way to clean up this mess left behind by their predecessors.”
Whittier, June 4, 2020
Library Oak Tree Project
In preparation for the addition and remodeling of the historic Central Library, the graceful Holly Oak tree on the patio of the Children’s section had to be removed. As residents bemoaned the loss, however, the Conservancy was working to “save” the beloved tree.
While everyone was on lock-down, the Conservancy negotiated with the City to retrieve the best parts of the tree---trunk and several large branches---for future use. Our Urban Forest Committee was on hand the day the tree came down and we carefully selected the best pieces for use in a sustainable project that will benefit the Children’s section of the library.
Once the design phase is complete, we will start the process of milling, drying, and storing the recycled wood for use as furniture for the new children’s section of the library. It is our hope that we can utilize the talents of local artists, students, and woodworkers to produce the finished products that will become part of the library for many years to come.
Photo Captions:
1.) Library Patio Oak Tree
2.) Small & Monster Crain used to safely take down the tree.
3.) David Dickerson & Whittier City Arborist Wayne McBurney
4.) Lifting the Trunk
5.) Massive main trunk section of Library Oak measuring about 12' high and 55" in diameter and weighing about 8500 lbs.
6.) City Arborist applying anchorseal to base piece "cookie,” to preserve it for milling—approx. 28" thick and about 55" in diameter.
The Conservancy’s mission statement is to “preserve and protect the historic and natural resources of Whittier.” This sustainable project will not only “preserve” the iconic oak tree for future generations, but it will be a teaching tool to show kids how the tree, while in a different form, is still providing benefits to them as it moves into its next cycle of usefulness. We hope to include a wall-mounted disc of the trunk that shows its rings of life when it provided shade and beauty on its first round.
Our gift to the community, in collaboration with the City of Whittier Parks Department and the Library, will provide a lesson in Sustainable building practices and begin the next chapter in the library’s own story.
Contacts:
Helen Rahder, Executive Director - Whittier Conservancy (562) 858-3110