We recently received an e-mail from reader Laura W. asking us why so many trees are being cut down along the American River Parkway — so we figured now would be a great time to take a look at the American River Levees project.

Jointly funded by federal, state, and local dollars, the American River Levees (ARL) project is just one part of a larger project from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) that aims to improve levees across our region's floodplains. The ARL would add 11 miles of protection to the banks of the Lower American River.

The plan also addresses stability, erosion, height concerns, and seepage along sections of Arcade Creek, Magpie Creek, and the Natomas East Main Drainage Canal.

Community advocacy group American River Trees is urging USACE to reevaluate its plan in an effort to stop the removal of an alleged 500 trees, claiming it will "diminish our parkway’s beauty and recreational values."

In response to pushback from local advocacy groups like American River Trees, USACE has extended its public comment period until Friday, Feb. 23. Send them an email to make your voice heard, and let us know your thoughts on the project.