A former Coupeville Town Council member is concerned about a tree recently removed from Captain Coupe Park.

Ann Dannhauer, who finished her term on the council in 2011, attended Tuesday evening’s council meeting to question why a large cottonwood tree was cut down at the park that is home to the town boat launch. She also wanted to know if there was an arborist report and if the town council and park and recreation commission knew of the removal.

Mayor Nancy Conard cited several reasons for cottonwood tree removal. The tree needed to be trimmed every several years, which would cost $800. The garden club was concerned the tree would threaten its projects and the brittle branches on the tree could fall and debris would make it into the nearby wastewater treatment plant.

Conard mentioned the park and recreation commission learned of the tree situation about a year-and-a-half ago and the town council talked about it during a recent workshop.

Council member Bob Clay mentioned that the town is at risk if staff realizes there is a hazard. He added that the town should plant a replacement tree in a more appropriate place.