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Home My WebLink AboutArborist Report Parcel 965 000 348rASF 430111; RN KkEN II -IRI, IS( -OIKq v OCT 2 � 2015 View 1EFFERS Mana;~�� — Request Kala Point Owners Association Richard R Hefley —Consulting Arborist Page 2 of 12 View Management Request Arboricultural Assessment Client: Kala point Owners Association Keith Larson — Manager 1760 Kala Point Drive Port Townsend WA 98368 Author: Richard R Hefley Consulting Arborist Site Visit Date: 08/18/2015 Report Date: 08/24/2015 OBJECTIVES: The Kala Point Homeowner's Association has requested I prepare a report regarding the potential effects of creating a habitat tree upon the bluff areas of the Kala Point community. This consists of a single tree. Richard R. Hefley -- International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist N PN -0784A Page 3 of 12 CONTENTS: Page 1 ..... Cover Page Page 2 ..... Title - Client, Author, Objectives Page 3..... Contents Page 4..... Executive Summary Page 5..... Photo of Homeowner View Corridor Page 6..... General Observations Page 7..... Aerial Photo Page 8 ..... Photo of 2015-1 Page 9..... Photos 2015-1 and Surrounding Trees Page 10.... Discussion Regarding Habitat Trees and Snags Page 11.... Waiver of Liability Page 12... Contact Information Richard R. Hefley — International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist N PN -0784A Page 4 of 12 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 met with manager Keith Larsen and members of the Kala Point Bluff Committee to visually examine the tree in question. The tree was observed and photographed by me from the trails and areas most approximating the view the homeowners were attempting to recapture. The photo immediately following was taken by the homeowner and is an exact representation of the view from their residence. My photos were taken from a vantage approximately 20' lower than the residence. While the southern portion of the Kala Point bluff is less prone to slides than the northern portion, it is still important to retain vegetation throughout the slope area to mitigate the erosive effects of clearing and development. The following recommendations apply only to this current time and further pruning or conversion to habitat trees/snags or replanting considerations should be addressed after a subsequent evaluation and report. The Kala Point bluff is a dynamic ecosystem, and small changes such as pruning can result in a large amount of vegetative re -growth. I recommend considering further actions after a three year period. There is only one request for action to be taken. Explanations of pruning techniques follow in the body of the report. Case #2015-1 Tree #2015-1 could be converted into a habitat tree / snag with little or no adverse consequences to this portion of the Kala Point bluffs. This tree is one of many dense and healthy conifers growing on this section of the slope. These remaining conifers currently provide sufficient canopy coverage of the slope so that there will be no net loss of coverage in area. Richard R. Hefley-- International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist # PN -0784A Page 5 of 12 (':\SE 42(11;-I: RN KKEN (11-1 RIA FFS('Ol'R F) Richard R. Hefley --- International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist# PN -0784A Page 6 of 12 Observations, general: Trees are critical to the short term stability of bluffs. The living canopies of trees deflect and disperse the eroding effects of rainfall and wind, while the roots form a cohesive mesh of cords that bind soils together to a depth of approximately two feet. The Kala Point bluff system is also subject to the erosion caused by tides. The tidal erosion of the toe of a bluff will eventually cause slides, so I use the phrase "short term stability'. Trees can help retain slope stability for decades, but eventually even the most heavily treed slopes will fail as the tide and wind and rain erode the base. This report deals with the southern section of the Kala Point Bluff. This portion of bluff is protected by a back -shore and lagoon. This natural shore buffering makes this section of bluff more stable so tidal erosion plays an almost negligible role, though storms and very high tides can still reach the bluff on rare occasions. It is important to understand that all bluffs inevitably erode through the combination of natural forces; wind, rain, tide, gravity, and the stresses we add through the course of development; impermeable surfaces that will focus the eroding powers of storm -water into narrow channels, and most significantly, the removal of the canopies and, by extension, the root systems of the stabilizing vegetation. The key to delaying the inevitable erosion of the bluffs, and so the foundations of homes and roads, is to preserve the vegetation on, above and below the bluff area. To balance this vegetative preservation with the preservation of views enjoyed by homeowners can be done by combining pruning, removals and replanting over an extended period of time Richard R. Hefley -- International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist p PN -0784A Page 7 of 12 As seen in the Google -Earth image above, the single tree in question lies in the midst of a dense stand of conifers. In the photo, conifers are distinguished from deciduous trees by the dark green color of their foliage. Richard R. Hefley--- International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist q PN -0784A Page 8 of 12 Case 2015-1 11-1 Bluffs Court Request — Create a Habitat Tree / Snag of a single Douglas Fir to regain a view of Mount Baker. Observations - Richard R. Hefley --- International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist # PN -0784A Page 9 of 12 A i- ` •``� fieNn . A closer view — Tree #2015-1 View of trunk. Conifers below — note that their foliage surrounds the trunk of 2015-1. The creation of a habitat tree at this point will result in no net loss of canopy area coverage. A last general view of Tree #2015 and its neighbor, as well as the dense canopies of multiple varieties of trees throughout this section of the slope. Richard R. Hefley -- International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist If PN -0784A Page 10 of 12 Discussion- The request seeks to create a "Habitat Tree" of a single Douglas Fir located in the midst of a large and dense group of conifers on the slope. In this case it is requested that the tree be pruned to create a "Snag". This "Snag", a topped Douglas Fir, has become a source of food and shelter for many species of animals, fungi and insects. The decomposing wood also adds nutrients and tilth to the shallow soils around it. Some have argued that a decaying tree has more advantages for the ecosystem than a young and actively growing tree, and I tend to agree. This is a dying Douglas Fir located by the new gazebo in the Kala Point park. It is a perfect example of a highly functioning habitat tree. The dewy attracts fungi and insects, which in turn provide food for higher animals, and will soon provide shelter as well. The lower portion of the tree is still living, enabling it to possibly continue as a functioning habitat tree for decades. Richard R. Hefley-- International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist N PN -0784A Page 11 of 12 The tree that an action is requested upon is Douglas Fir. These trees are growing on a moderate slope, and are located relatively close together. I estimate the trees to be within 15-20 linear feet of each other. These trees are co -dominant. There are no taller trees over them. Recommendations- It is my recommendation that Tree #2015 can be converted into a "Snag" form of Habitat Tree with little or no adverse actions on the slope where it is located. WAIVER OF UABIUTY: Many factors affect a tree's health and stability that are not discernible in the course of a visual examination. These conclusions represent an opinion of a tree's health and stability at this particular point in time. This report does not guarantee the future safety of or predict future events that may affect this tree. A second opinion by a qualified assessor is always recommended. The property owner is responsible for scheduling future examinations and/or recommended maintenance. The property owner is responsible for obtaining required permits from all concerned governing bodies from federal to state, county, city, and home owner associations. The property owner is responsible for obtaining and providing all applicable codes, covenants and restrictions (CC&Rs) that apply. The client shall hold the evaluator harmless for injuries or damages incurred if recommendations are not heeded or for acts of nature beyond reasonable expectations such as severe winds, excessive rain, heavy snow loads, ice, earthquakes etc. This report and all attachments, enclosures and references are confidential and intended for the use of the client referenced above. They may not be reproduced, used in any way or disseminated in any form without the consent of the client and Richard HeRey— Consulting Arborist. Richard R. Hefley --- International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist # PN -0784A Page 12 of 12 Richard R. Hefley Consulting Arborist 360-385-2921 rkheflev@olvoen.com PO Box 177 101 Reinier Road Nordland WA 98358 Richard R. Hefley --- International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist ft PN -0784A