KENT, Wash. -- In a controversial move, dozens of large trees along the Green River will be cut down to strengthen a levee that protects thousands of homes.

The Green River trail system is known for its views of the river and the big trees that line it. Dozens of those trees were marked to be cut down.

The Army Corps of Engineers said the roots of the trees thrusting through the soil weaken the levee.

Some worry that if the trees are cut, salmon will leave the area.

"It's going to take the shade away, and they're probably going to swim on through. They're not going to be here holding and spawning and doing what they naturally do. You take away their habitat, and that's just no good," said local angler Matthew Veenker.

Some engineers said if the Green River Levee failed, the entire valley could flood from Kent to Auburn and all the way to Interstate 405 in Renton.

The Army Corps of Engineers said it would only free up the $5 million to strengthen the levee if King County took out the trees first.

The cutting of the trees will start Thursday morning.