Five Douglas fir trees were cut down on the Green River trails between April 10th and 11th by an unknown person(s) causing concern at the natural resource department as well as with students.
Dick Hopkins, an instructor at the natural resource department, seemed convinced the Douglas firs were cut down to get a view of Mt. Rainer.
The ‘criminals' cut down the Douglas firs without the permission of the campus making their actions illegal. In Washington state vandalism varies but usually carries a fine of $250 minimum, two years suspension with first offense, and five years probation as well community service, depending on sentence.
"It would be okay to cut them down if the owner intended it and made good use out of the trees. I would be more upset if they cut down more than five [trees]. Having said that, it is completely wrong to damage someone else's property..." says student Missy Hobson.
The actions of those responsible are horrid. There is no excuse to damage the property of GRCC campus or anyone's property for that matter. I hope those responsible are aware of the seriousness of the situation. I find this extremely aggravating.
This issue is serious, not just because it's vandalism of someone's property but because of the carelessness for the 10 year old trees, the environment. The damage done was not necessary or justified, even if a view of Mount Rainier was gained.
Hopefully the caring of the natural resource department will help prevent such crude actions from happening again. As green student's we have to be conscientious of our environment. If we want a forest for our aesthetic pleasure, it is important to take a step in the right direction now before it's too late.
And that's exactly what will be done: 35 Douglas fir seedlings are going to replace the five lost trees by the natural resource department. The new trees will be funded by the Society of American Foresters club (SAF).
is a member of the 
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