Court of Appeals Gives Big Win to Oak Tree

DATELINE— TUMWATER, WA

The Washington Court of Appeals ruled today in favor of the 400-year-old oak tree in Tumwater.

In the unpublished opinion, the court ruled that the mayor did not have authority to cut down the tree without permission of the Tumwater Historic Preservation Commission: "We hold that the superior court erred in concluding that the mayor was not required to obtain a permit prior to removing the tree under the Tumwater Municipal Code."

The Court of Appeals reversed Judge Anne Egeler's ruling and ordered her to reinstate the temporary restraining order that Judge Sharonda Amamilo originally issued. The Court of Appeals also ordered the superior court to hold additional proceedings to finish up the case.

Ronda Larson Kramer, one of the attorneys for the citizen group working to save the tree, explained, “The Court of Appeals understood the law and ruled correctly. The tree is safe for now, but our work is not done.” She said the group's underlying lawsuit ("complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief") is still pending in front of Judge Egeler.

Larson Kramer said that the group plans to file a motion for summary judgment soon. They have scheduled a hearing on that motion before Judge Egeler at 9:00 a.m. on December 5, 2025.

On November 19, 2024, the mayor announced publicly that she had decided not to run for re-election.

The Davis Meeker Garry Oak is located at 7527 Old Highway 99, Tumwater, Washington.

Photo credit Ronelle Funk, January 12, 2019, 9:32 a.m.