Iconic 158 Cheery Blossom Trees in Washington D.C. to be Removed for Seawall Reconstruction
🌸 Iconic 158 Cheery Blossom Trees in Washington D.C. to be Removed for Seawall Reconstruction 🌸🌳
In 2024, the National Park Service (NPS) initiated a significant renovation project to reconstruct approximately 6,800 feet of the seawall along Washington, D.C.'s Tidal Basin and parts of West Potomac Park. This endeavor aims to address issues such as land subsidence and sea-level rise, which have led to frequent flooding of the surrounding pathways. As part of this project, 158 of the nearly 3,700 iconic cherry blossom trees were removed to facilitate the seawall's elevation and stabilization.
The Tidal Basin, renowned for its annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, has faced challenges due to climate change, including higher tides and more extreme rainfall events. The seawall reconstruction involves raising its height by 4.75 feet and expanding the adjacent walkways from 8 to 12 feet to enhance visitor access and protect the area from future flooding.
In August 2023, the NPS awarded a $113 million contract for the seawall's reconstruction, with work expected to commence in mid-2024 and conclude over a three-year period. While the removal of the cherry trees is a poignant aspect of the project, the NPS has committed to replanting these trees upon the project's completion to preserve the area's historic and aesthetic significance.
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This reconstruction is crucial for safeguarding the Tidal Basin's infrastructure and ensuring the longevity of the cherry blossom tradition in Washington, D.C., for future generations.
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