The Danger of Clear-Cuts

The Saturday March 26 edition of the Seattle Times reports another disturbing case of trees being
clear-cut. Read the Times story here.

This one didn't happen in the jungles of Brazil; or Oso, WA; or a billionaire's private island... but on a full acre in the heart of Seattle.

One hundred fifty three trees, mostly big-leaf maples, were illegally cut in a West Seattle green belt and slide zone. But of course now there's an enhanced view of Seattle's skyline for a suspiciously near homeowner.

So a "round up the usual suspects" call went out. Alas it appears the "perp" still has a good chance of skating. Even sadder, there is a significantly increased threat of slides and property damage.

As Seattle's forestry manager points in the news article: "Trees provide wildlife habitat, combat air pollution and help stabilize slopes by managing surface water."

After decades of devastating slides and bluff erosion in Seattle and elsewhere, this should be a cautionary tale for every community, including Cape George.

But permits are required in Cape George to cut trees so there must be some level of due diligence, right? Not so much. Recently, Cape George's manager stated he couldn't recall  "ever denying a tree cutting request".

On Sunset Blvd for instance, we've seen trees on banks -- both on the waterfront and elsewhere -- cut with impunity. Trees are protected by Cape George covenants but that matters little if cutting them comes without a speed bump  from a manager who can't or won't say "no".

Worse, if someone's trees are ruining your damn view, you may be able to coax Cape George's manager, to issue a "hedge" violation. Then you'll likely hear the chains firing  up again... See here for details of a recent case on Sunset Blvd.

But back to concerns of the waterfront bluff erosion that's been worsening the last few years. Take a walk on the beach to see what's afoot... or awash. Watch your step. Lots of tree-fall will block your path. Overhead, some scarily leaning trees hang on by a thread.

Has there been any engagement on these issues by Cape George's Board, or the Environmental Committee?  What do experts recommend?  Are
replacement plantings even recommended when trees are cut? Will a few sprigs of ground cover mitigate the loss of a tree?

Another concerning incident. Not long ago, several mature trees on the hill by the waterfront park were cut down. You'll see them -- or what's left of them -- on Colman Dr. as it climbs past the park. The stumps provide a visual, if very ugly, reminder.

As I recall, there was no mention in the newsletter about why the trees were cut nor any report of a plan to mitigate water runoff on that very steep site. But why wasn't there a plan?

Within a season or so after the trees were cut there was a washout and damage to the park's entry road after a heavy rainstorm. Was this very clear risk of more water runoff and erosion not foreseen? Was the permit just rubber-stamped? Or do "climate deniers" simply claim that cutting trees on the adjacent hillside had no likely impact...

Sadly, it appears there's a corporate agenda in place. "Cut permits" are a joke. Tree-protecting clauses in Cape George's covenants are as well. They are either ignored or subverted to appease the agenda of those who demand views. If this looks like the rant of a conspiracy theorist, see more evidence here and here.

At the very least, the Board should study and proactively inform the community about the risks. Add some recommendations for preserving bluffs in the official documents; publish regular tips in the
newsletter; toughen the permitting process.  Schedule or re-schedule a Cape George University talk by a geologist, arborist, etc.

Business as usual isn't sustainable.