City of Lincoln cancels plan to remove trees on Goodhue Boulevard

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Some old trees near the Nebraska State Capitol will remain in place.

On Tuesday, the City of Lincoln withdrew its application to remove and replace 24 trees along Goodhue Boulevard between A and H streets.

The Parks and Recreation Department was seeking approval from the Nebraska Capitol Environs Commission to take out the trees, citing their declining health and safety concerns.

But neighbors said the trees were historical and should not be removed.

After the proposal failed to pass at the commission’s October meeting, Parks and Rec attended a neighborhood meeting.

“Lincoln’s quality of life is strengthened when our community forest is healthy and thriving,” Parks and Rec Director Maggie Stuckey-Ross said in a press release. “Our department looks forward to working with the public on a plan for Goodhue Boulevard that emphasizes the safety of the public and the health of our urban canopy. The withdrawal of this application allows us to continue the community conversation and move forward together with a strong plan.”