WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — Some of the older and larger trees surrounding Mansion Field at Goddard State Memorial Park will be removed over the next few weeks, according to the RI Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM).
Michael Healey from the RI DEM said there are about 20 dead, diseased or dying trees that need to be taken down.
“We wouldn’t do it unless they really needed to be taken down to protect public safety,” Healey explained. “They bring joy to people, they have so many benefits, so we don’t do this lightly.”
On Wednesday, Healey said he did receive some positive news about one of the trees.
“A Champion Red Oak tree that we thought would have to be taken down, might be able to be saved,” he said. “It has a crown spread of 115 feet, so it’s 115 feet at it’s widest width, and that’s kind of magnificent, so the that fact that we can try to save it is exciting.”
The trees need to be taken care of in the next two-to-three weeks to prepare for Memorial Day Weekend.
