City of Rockport Considers Controversial Tree Removal Project

ROCKPORT (Kiii News) -

The City of Rockport is considering moving forward with a major tree removal project that is fairly controversial there for area residents.

There was a first phase of tree removal that was part of a storm water management project. That part was done, and involved more of a clear cut but also a widening and deepening of the channel through there for storm water detention.

Then, Aransas First, a local non-profit, had a grant from Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries to do additional invasive removal, and spoke with the City in the summer about continuing that initial project, not as a clear cut but as selective removal.

Over the past few months, the City has been holding meetings with stakeholders and experts to decide what the best thing to do is.

"What we've been told is that the Chinese Tallow and Brazilian Pepper are on state and federal invasive lists and noxious list, and what they do is, they're very aggressive," Rockport City Manager Kevin Carruth said. "They, over time, will choke out all of the other vegetation, and basically take over everything."

Kiii News Reporter Mike DaSilva went Live from Rockport with the details.

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City of Rockport Considers Controversial Tree Removal Project