Tree Removal and Replacement by San Diego Unified Port District on Harbor Island

The proposed project would involve the removal and replacement of a tree by San Diego Unified Port District (District) in the city of San Diego, California. The removed tree would be replaced at a minimum ratio of 1:1, with a drought-tolerant and/or water wise, non-invasive tree. The tree locations and activities are as follows: Approximately one (1) Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) tree in the planter area along the pathway along North Harbor Drive adjacent to the current Hertz Corporation leasehold in East Harbor Island (Exhibit A) has died and requires removal. The tree would be removed and replaced in approximately late-2026 with a minimum of one (1) drought-tolerant and/or water wise, non-invasive tree to be planted in Harbor Island. This would take approximately two (2) days of work for removal and one (1) day for replacement planting. The District and/or the District’s landscape service providers would remove and replace the tree using a truck, chainsaw, chipper, stump grinder, hand tools and associated equipment. Tree replacement and planting would include ongoing maintenance as needed, including replacement of the tree within the first five (5) years of planting if it fails. Work hours for the proposed project would be from approximately 7:00am-3:30pm Monday-Friday. Since the tree removal location is adjacent to a pathway, a work crew would safely redirect pedestrians around the tree removal site during work. A breeding and nesting bird survey would be conducted prior to tree removal activities. If an active nest is located, all work within 500 feet of raptor nests and 300 feet of other nests, or a distance determined to be appropriate by a qualified biologist, would be postponed until such nest is vacated and the juveniles have fledged and when there is no attempt of a second nesting. 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 District would be responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding construction demolition debris, hazards and hazardous materials, and stormwater.