|
krussell@russell-gordon.com, stsoming@frontier.com, melodyfosmoredesign@gmail.com $$PLAIN_TEXT_PREVIEW$$
|
OUR MONUMENTAL DOUGLAS FIR TREES
The Douglas fir tree is an evergreen conifer that has grown throughout Western Washington for centuries. Here are some facts about the Douglas fir tree: The Coast Douglas fir is the second tallest conifer in the world growing up to 275’ or more in height with a diameter of up to 16 feet. The tree bark of a 100-year-old Douglas fir is so thick it can withstand fire and beetle infestation which allows a longer life. A fast-growing tree, the Douglas fir is popular for lumber production. There are very few old-growth stands of Douglas firs left in the Pacific NW, due to logging, development and climate change. Douglas fir forests are home to the Northern spotted owl and Marbled Murrelet among other birds and squirrels. In terms of climate change, these trees gain their stride after age 70 and are a natural carbon sink. However, as the earth warms, the trees' ability to absorb carbon decreases. So as we continue to cut down our native tall trees we add to global warming and decrease the trees ability to do their job. Here in Shoreline, we have one of the nation's top Coast Douglas fir trees. To see this tree, park off NW 175th street along the north side of Boeing Creek Park. Walk SW to Hidden Lake Trail. You’ll descend a staircase underneath advancing giant Douglas firs. You’ll pass a 7’ wide 200’ tall leaning fir. Another lurks just north tucked away from view along a babbling brook at the feeds into the creek. Look straight and you’ll see the largest tree in the park. After crossing Boeing Creek on your way west to Hidden Lake look back for a stupendous view of the three big firs in their entirety which is best in fall and winter. This Coast Douglas fir tree has unknown girth and height however it is believed the tree germinated and planted around the year 1571 (give or take 100 years) which means it’s more or less 450 years old. (In contrast, the first permanent white American settlement on Puget Sound was established at Alki Point in 1851.) Another point of reference is a 250’ tree is half of the height of Space Needle! When we ponder life expectancies it is interesting to note that while an individual human life is 80 years, a Douglas fir tree’s life expectancy is 500 years, in some cases 1000 years. If only we could hear their wisdom! Instead, we are called to speak for these magnificent trees – to keep them with us for as long as possible so each generation can enjoy their magnificence.
This month’s article is by Melody Fosmore, SST Co-Chair, and Barbara Johnstone, SST Advisory Board member. Photos by Melody Fosmore.
|
OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ABOUT SIDEWALK WIDTHS
|
|
The City launched the second phase of public outreach relating to the Transportation Master Plan (TMP). A public comment on behalf of Save Shoreline Trees was made at the City Council Meeting on May 24, 2021, stating that the current Transportation Master Plan, Policy 38.4, page 179, calls for “flexibility in the implementation of the Master Street Plan” when it comes to large trees. The current TMP and Engineering Manual 14.2 D, prescribe 5-foot-wide sidewalks in single family residential development and 8-foot-wide sidewalks adjacent to uses other than single family residential. Save Shoreline Trees questions the necessity of the 8-foot-wide sidewalks and suggests there could be some flexibility written into the TMP and Engineering Manual. City Councilmembers made comments regarding sidewalk widths during discussion. Opinions varied with a comment that an 8 foot width is the minimum appropriate for Shoreline needs, and another comment opting for flexibility. View the video here (Councilmember comments at 55:17). You are encouraged to provide your response about 8-foot-wide sidewalks in this round of Transportation Master Plan outreach to the public.
Photo by Kristi Magee
|
|
|
|
|
|
CANDIDATES LAUNCH CAMPAIGNS FOR
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
|
|
The following candidates are running for City Council seats in November 2021.
Three positions are unopposed. Current Councilmembers not running for re-election: Mayor Hall, Councilmember McGlashan, Councilmember Chang.
|
1ST ANNUAL SAVE SHORELINE TREES FUNDRAISER
|
|
LOOKING FOR AUCTION ITEMS
If you have a service or new item to donate to the silent auction, please email sstfundraiser@gmail.com and we will respond with the next steps!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 is the date for our 1st Annual Fundraiser for Save Shoreline Trees at Dunn Gardens, 13533 Northshire Rd NW, Seattle. We are very excited to gather and to learn from tree experts, bid on silent auction items and have a fantastic barbeque dinner. We have significant goals for 2021-2022 and are looking for a strong turnout and fundraising success. We hope you can join us! Want to volunteer? Join our team to help with set up and break down, serving food, auction item management and more. Contact Melody at 206.200.9770.
|
|
Source: City of Shoreline, March 2021
|
TREE REMOVAL COUNTS AT LARGE PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS
|
|
This chart represents some of the large private developments where trees have been removed or trees are scheduled to be removed*. Tracking by SST members as of May 2021.
|
|
Total number (approximate counts) of trees removed or to be removed on this list is 421. Together with the 1,173 trees removed in the fall of 2019 for the Sound Transit Light Rail project, this 1,594 total is a partial count of the loss of significant trees. This count does not include removal of trees at additional private developments, private residences, schools or removal of public right of way trees.
|
|
A legal appeal was filed on Thursday, May 20, 2021 to protect the original landmark designation of the historic Fircrest Naval Chapel. The official legal argument and documents were filed May 31, 2021, and a hearing date has been assigned for July 26, 2021. The appeal was filed by the Shoreline Preservation Society to the Shoreline City Council challenging the latest decision by the King County (Shoreline) Landmarks Commission. This decision was to return approximately 1/5 of the historic forest, recently landmarked in January, to the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). DSHS plans to build an additional parking lot at the site. This action would remove over 30 significant trees adjacent to the Chapel. The Chapel and its forest are potentially at risk from all sides because of possible development plans for new facilities and housing proposals. The Naval Chapel was built in 1944 during the height of WWII, and envisioned by Captain Joel T. Boone as a place for the injured sailors being treated at the hospital and their families to find respite in the forest. This landmarked Chapel is the first freestanding, inter-denominational Naval Hospital Chapel built in America and is located in Shoreline. To help save the trees of Fircrest Forest go to www.preserveshoreline.org to make a donation online or contact Janet Way. Photo by Janet Way.
|
16835 FREMONT AVE N. – TREES COMING DOWN
|
|
Every day in Shoreline, trees are coming down. For example, Permit DEV21-0292 has been issued to Arcadia Homes to build two detached single-family residences on this heavily wooded 17,193 square foot parcel. Approximately 24 Significant and Landmark trees will be removed from this site. The removal of the 24 trees is permitted under the Shoreline Municipal Code. However, neighbors are concerned by the removal of so many mature trees, including Douglas Firs and Pacific Madrones. Any questions can be directed to Taylor Brown, City of Shoreline Public Works, 206.801.2484. Photo by Claudia Turner.
|
A SAD SIGHT: LONE TREE ON N 145TH
|
|
At Towns on 145th, an Intracorp development, at N 145th and 1st Ave NE, 81 townhouses are in construction.
Intracorp advertises that the first phase is completed and for sale. Yet, as you drive west on N 145th at 1st Ave N, look north to see this lone tree now limbed half-way up. You ask yourself, “can this be right?” Under the present tree code, it is legal in Shoreline. It’s not aesthetic, but it is legal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A supporter of Save Shoreline Trees alerted us to this development in May 2020 with concerns about a large Douglas fir at risk in the middle of this development and 6 conifer trees at risk along the boundary. In September 2020 after numerous inspections and a remedy report, this is the approved solution. On May 21, 2021 the Douglas fir tree was limbed half way up. Across from the development, a concerned resident emailed the City project manager regarding the extreme tree limbing, but was told that the limbs in question were dead wood and had to be removed for safety. The resident took photos of the cut limbs which were healthy and green. Additional complaints were made to the City project manager and the matter is now pending City investigation and response. Top photo by Linda Condit; bottom photo by Nicolaus Faino.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Save Shoreline Trees appreciates your donations to spread the word about tree protection and preservation to Shoreline residents. We are a 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS. Donate by credit or debit card or mail your check to Save Shoreline Trees, c/o 16069 Dayton Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133.
|
|
Contributors to this newsletter:
Melody Fosmore, Barbara Johnstone, Claudia Turner, Janet Way,
Kathleen Russell, and Susanne Tsoming.
Questions or comments may be emailed to saveshorelinetrees@gmail.com.
|
|
|
|
