Removal of Queen Palm Trees by San Diego Unified Port District on Shelter Island

The proposed project would Involve removal of dying Queen Palm trees (palm trees) and replacement with Pink Trumpet trees by the San Diego Unified Port District (District)in the City of San Diego, California. Currently, two (2) palm trees on the western edge of Shelter Island are in danger of falling due to damaged trunks caused by a fungal disease commonly known as "Pink Raf'. The palms shall be replaced with Pink Trumpet Trees (Handroanthus impetiginosus) in a 24" box. Removal of the palm trees would take place in October of 2025 and is expected to take one (1) business day. Planting of the replacement trees is anticipated to occur in late 2025. The trees would be ground at the time of removal while the District's Field Operations Department is conducting additional routine landscaping. Standard equipment such as chainsaws, associated work vehicles, and hand tools would be used for tree removal. Maintenance of the trees would be ongoing, as-needed, including replacement of the Pink Trumpet trees in the event of tree failure. Due to its nature and limited scope, construction of the proposed project would generate a minor amount of vehicle trips and would require limited use of equipment. Therefore, impacts related to air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and transportation and traffic are not anticipated to occur. Furthermore, the Applicant would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding construction demolition debris, hazards and hazardous materials, and stormwater.