Biologist Melanie Paquin found her first salamander in wetlands next to the trail five years ago.

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LAKE FOREST PARK, Wash. – There’s a blooming ecosystem just off the shoulder of the Burke Gilman Trail.

Biologist Melanie Paquin found her first salamander in wetlands next to the trail five years ago.

"It's really special that we can have amphibians right here in our back yard," she said.

She fears plans to expand two miles of the Burke Gilman Trail through Lake Forest Park by several feet will reduce the population of amphibians like salamanders and frogs.

The plan includes taking out dozens of trees.

"I think it's going to decrease the value of recreation on the trail. I think the trees and the wildlife is part of what makes the trail great, and I think we need to have both,” said Paquin.

"I'd like to draw the line between the safety of people and animals,” said Steve Hartley, who knows the consequences when safety on a bike is ignored.

"I was in a crash six years ago, and had multiple head fractures, and safety is enormously important,” he said.

More room on the trail leaves more room to be safe. Others see room to compromise.

"If they kept it the same width, and simply smoothed the pavement, that would be some type of compromise,” said Paquin. “They just put up signs that say, 'this section of the trail is narrow, please use caution.' Then they wouldn't have to fill in the wetlands. Then we win both ways."

Others say the concerns are just too late. The project began back in 2004.

A judge is expected to hold a hearing early next year to listen to all issues about the widening proposal.