Old maple trees poached in Kitsap County

BREMERTON — Two old maple trees — one nearly 4 feet across — were cut down at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds and more than 20 other large maples were removed from the Bremerton watershed.

Officials suspect thieves who take the aged hardwood for use in making furniture or musical instruments.

One man arrested Monday at the fairgrounds and a second man arrested Tuesday in the watershed are facing felony charges.

Officials estimate the value of the fairgrounds trees at $25,000 and the watershed trees at more than $10,000.

The director of Kitsap County Parks and Recreation, Chip Faver, says something was stolen from the community that can't be replaced in 100 years.