In support Earth Day, Naval Base (NB) Kitsap, Bangor foresters led a revamp of the base’s 9/11 Memorial Park by clearing
old and dead trees and planting new trees, April 17.
Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) personnel encouraged and welcomed volunteers from the base to help
with the project, which added to the park’s safety, appearance and wildlife habitation. 
More than 75 man-hours and 20 horse hours spanned three days were used to clear nearly an acre of dead, or dying, trees
and non-indigenous scrubs and bushes, as well as plant 300 trees to grow in their place.
“I thought it would be a more befitting backdrop to the memorial if we had a nice grove of conifers coming up,” said Walter Briggs,
a Navy forester. “It’s a good Earth Day project in proximity to these populated buildings where people can gain access and do
something for Earth Day and see the heavy horses we had here.”
Clearing of the trees and shrubs began April 15 with personnel and horses cutting and pulling down the old trees, which will sold
for firewood. 
Briggs said horses, vice machinery, were used to help clear the plot of land behind the memorial not only because horses are easier
on the soil and vegetation, but because they attract people and invite them to stop by, help out and learn about the forestry program.
Along with Briggs, who led the project, Navy forester Terri Jones was on site to help work and educate volunteers about the forestry
project. 
“I wanted to do something to contribute to the quality of this ceremonial area for the long term,” said Jones.  “Those trees were hazards
and were going to fall eventually, which could be potentially dangerous to people who walk through the park.  So for the long term,
we can make this site stable and enjoyable.”
Jones explained how clearing out old and dying trees promotes the growth and health of the natural forest species as well as clearing
out non-indigenous plants exemplifies one of the key rules on Navy military land: to enhance wildlife habitat. 
In place of the fallen trees, 200 Grand Fir and 100 Western Redcedar trees were planted to completely fill in the newly cleared space in
the future. To accomplish this task, the foresters recruited volunteers base-wide.
While the Navy forestry program is a year-round, during Earth Day-like operation, volunteers are recruited at least once a year to get
involved, get educated and help keep the military’s natural vegetation and wildlife growing strong and looking good.
Becky Duhamel, part of NAVFAC’s human resources department, took the hour of administrative leave provided by her command, along
with an additional two hours of personal leave to help with the project. Duhamel said that Briggs personally gave her the Earth Day flyer
and asked her to help with the project, and that she was more than happy to do the work.
“It’s good for you physically and it’s good for the environment,” Duhamel said. “I want a place where my kids can grow up someday and
I’m just giving back to the Earth.”