Haugen on board as Garry oak vies for status as state’s official oak tree

OLYMPIA – Count Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, among the sponsors of legislation to make Garry oak the official oak tree of Washington.

The Garry’s bid for state icon status has little competition: It’s the only oak tree native to Washington.

“The Garry oak is so prevalent in our community, particularly in Oak Harbor, I’m proud to be able to sponsor this,” Haugen said. “It’s a choice that makes perfect sense for Washington.”

The Garry oak grows along the Pacific Coast from California to British Columbia and is a familiar sight to Snohomish County residents: Oak Harbor was named after the Garry trees on Whidbey Island.

“The Garry is a beautiful and valuable tree, which is why Oak Harbor worked so hard to save the old oak at the post office,” Haugen said. “Garry oaks can now be a source of pride for the whole state.”

Senate Bill 6277 is scheduled for a hearing in the Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation Committee at 8 a.m. Jan. 25 in Senate Hearing Room Two.

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