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Work Continues To Remove 100-Year-Old Mahogany Trees At Capitol Building In St. Thomas

ST. THOMAS -- Senate President Myron Jackson is advising the public that work of trimming and removing several mahogany trees from the grounds of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands on St. Thomas, which are in jeopardy of causing major structural damage to the historic Capitol Building, continues. According to a release issued Monday, the decision to trim and remove the trees was made after consultation with a certified arborist, and the conclusion that hurricane-force winds experienced last year could cause the trees to fall into the roof, further compromising what once served as a historic battery, and houses the offices of the first branch of government. “Trees removed were severely compromised during the two Category 5 storms. Approval was granted by the Historic Preservation Commission given their conditions,” Mr. Jackson said. “A native tree species will be replanted to restore canopy and the historic landscape of the Capitol grounds.” The trees in question are about 100 years ...