HomeMy WebLinkAbout060524 bobResearch_ Fire Hazard_ Abandoned Trail Nine Golf CourseALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Fire Hazard: Abandoned Trail Nine Golf Course
I have researched the published opinions of twenty-three wildfire experts, cited below, that directly contradict Chief Martin's conclusion. In his opinion, an 8 foot mowed strip along
a small portion of the cart path (1%) percent of the eighty-three (83+) acre course is an adequate fire buffer. This is inconsistent with the 30 - 100 foot buffer recommended and/or
required by every published report that I have read.
Chief Martin's statement is of particular concern - that an "8 foot buffer is adequate," when it is only 27% of the universally accepted 30-foot minimum requirement. Especially since
there is an extreme amount of accumulated 4 foot+ grass/weeds on the abandoned course, and 99% of the course has never had an 8 foot mowed strip along the cart path. In my opinion,
this is a complete failure by the Fire Department, Jefferson County and the property owner (PLA) to seriously address the fire danger to our community.
At the recommendation of the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney, Mike Hass, a tour of the abandoned course was conducted on 9/11/18 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Accompanying Mike at his
suggestion was Kelvin .J Thompson a retired Forrest Service wildfire expert and Port Ludlow resident.In addition, Doug Henderson and Steve Hammond accompanied Mike and Kelvin on the
tour. After the tour Mike, Kelvin, Doug, and Steve met with Bert at his home on Edgewood Drive to debrief him. See their declarations for specific comments. The takeaway message from
Kelvin was that the "recommendations of Chief Martin were woefully inadequate" and "the mowing plan proposed by Bert was very reasonable" see their declarations for specific details.
“Good morning, Bert. I just received your information on the abandoned golf course. I still believe the information I emailed you earlier is your best defense to question the treatment
recommendation outlined by the fire managers. In their explanation, they offer no evidence on how he decided on the size requirements other than stating, "there was consensus" for the
8 ft mow strip. So, as I understand this is based on their expert opinion and not science.
The gtrI2 would disagree with this recommendation, Let's chat when you have time.”
Morris C. Johnson, Research Fire Ecologist Forest Service PNW, Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Lab, 400 N. 34th Street, St. Suite 201Seattle, WA 98103 206-732-7852
Note also review these cites:
Riverview Community Group, anon-profit Washington Corporation, vs. Spencer & Livingston / Der Meadows Golf, Inc., In The Supreme Court of The State of Washington (No. 88575-3) [11/20/2014].
&RCW 76.04.495 "Negligent starting of fires or allowing extreme fire hazard or debris-Liability"RCW 76.04.660 &RCW 76.04.650 [06/30/1993]