11-100544CITY of
CITY HALL
Federal Wa 33325 8th Avenue South
Mailing Address: PO Box 9718
Federal Way, WA 98063-9718
(253) 835-7000
www. cityoffederalway. com
February 9, 2011
Mr. Steve Ikerd
City of Federal Way - Parks
33325 8`h Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003
RE: FILE #11-100544-00-UP; HAZARD TREE REMOVAL IN CRITICAL AREA
Director Decision for Woodridge Park Open Space Tract
Dear Mr. Ikerd:
The Department of Community and Economic Development has reviewed your request to remove two
dead and/or diseased trees in the open space tract of the Woodridge Park subdivision that is owned and
maintained by the City of Federal Way. An Arborist's report dated January 27, 2011, prepared by
Thundering Oak Enterprises,I reviewed the condition of two trees within the open space tract and adjacent
to private property located at 33767 32ad Avenue SW. The report states that there is a Laminate Root Rot
pocket in a small section of the southern end of the forest. Two trees approximately 60 feet from the
residence appear to be affected; however, other adjacent trees appear unaffected. Specific
recommendations for removal of the Douglas Fir tree and the Western Hemlock tree, as detailed below,
are hereby conditionally approved with this letter.
Douglas Fir
A large dead Douglas Fir tree is within an unclassified stream buffer as shown in the city's Critical Areas
map and a stream analysis refuting the designation was not prepared; therefore, removal of this tree does
not qualify as an exempt action listed in Federal Way Revised Cade (FWRC) 19.120.030. The department
issued Interpretation #10-01 on January 28, 2010, which provides clarification of the proper procedure,
application materials, and decisional criteria for vegetation removal within identified critical areas.
Thundering Oak Enterprises' assessment noted that although this tree died of natural causes and not root
rot, it could fall and damage adjacent public and/or private property. They recommended that the tree top
be removed and a 25-foot-tall wildlife snag created from the dead tree. Due to the limited scope of the
proposal, a vegetation maintenance plan will not be required for this action.
DIRECTOR'S DECISION
Removal of the Douglas Fir tree subject to the following conditions is hereby approved per the findings
and conclusions provided below.
Conditions of Approval
1. Only handheld tools may be used (including, but not limited to, handheld chainsaws). Use of
heavy machinery shall not be permitted.
2. The removed portions of the Douglas Fir tree shall be left in the open space tract to decompose.
1 ISA Certified Arborist #PN0232
Mr. Steve Ikerd
February 9, 2011
Page 2
DECISIONAL CRITERIA
Planning Division staff reviewing your request provided bulleted responses to each of the director's
decisional criteria below.
1. The proposed activity will not adversely affect water quality.
■ Scope of tree removal is to top the dead tree and leave a 25-foot-tall snag. The cut portions
will be left in the stream buffer to decompose, and as conditioned, no ground disturbance is
anticipated. The stream is unclassified by the city's inventory and remaining tree and
scrub/shrub vegetation provide adequate erosion protection.
2. The proposed activity will not destroy nor damage a significant habitat area.
• The proposed topping and snag creation will not destroy nor damage the existing habitat area,
as creation of a 25-foot-tall snag tree as well as decaying logs in the stream buffer will
provide additional opportunity for wildlife habitat.
3. The proposed activity will not adversely affect drainage or stormwater retention capabilities.
■ Topping of the dead tree within the densely vegetated open space network will not alter the
drainage course or contribute to drainage and stormwater retention failures.
4. The proposed activity will not lead to unstable earth conditions nor create erosion hazards.
■ Topping of the tree is limited in scope and as conditioned will not create erosion hazards. In
addition, existing vegetation will provide additional stabilization and erosion controls.
5. The proposed activity will not be materially detrimental to any other property nor to the city as a
whole, including the loss of significant open space.
• The proposed tree topping and snag creation will reduce the likelihood of public or private
property damage adjacent to the subject property, and will not result in a loss of open space.
6. The proposed activity is necessary to: a) maintain existing pathways and landscaping, ensure the
health of existing vegetation, achieve limited pruning to allow for view maintenance, reduce tree
mass or redirect tree growth, or similar purposes; and/or b) the proposed activity is necessary to
minimize potential impacts from dead, dying, diseased, or otherwise dangerous or nuisance
vegetation.
■ The city's arborist has determined the tree is dead; at risk of failure; and may cause potential
damage to public and private property.
7. The proposed activity does not require review under the State Environmental Policy Act.
• The department concludes hazardous tree removal within critical areas is a maintenance
activity and categorically exempt from an environmental threshold determination pursuant to
FWRC 14.15.070.
The proposed activity is consistent with the requirements of Chapter 19.120, Clearing, Grading,
and Tree and Vegetation Retention.
• Limited scope of work and preservation of overall dense vegetation is consistent with the
purpose statement and regulations of Chapter 19.120.
11-100544-UP Doc. ID, 56936
Mr. Steve Ikerd
February 9, 2011
Page 3
Western Hemlock - The report also notes that a western hemlock tree adjacent to the property is dying
from the top down from root rot, and it is recommended for removal. As a victim of the rot, this tree can
be removed from the open space tract area, and is not required to remain in the open space tract. Tree
replacement is not required as existing dense vegetation maintains is consistent with the purpose
statement and regulations of Chapter 19.120.
CLOSING
This decision shall not waive compliance with future City of Federal Way codes, policies, and standards
relating to this site. The effective date of decision is February 12, 2011, or three days from the date of
this letter. Pursuant to FWRC 19.55.050(1), any person who received notice of the administrative
decision may appeal this decision to the Federal Way Hearing Examiner by February 28, 2011.
Please contact Deb Barker, Senior Planner, if you have any questions regarding this decision.
Sincerely,
Isaac Conlen
Planning Division Manager
for Patrick Doherty, Director
c: Jong Kim and Hoi Young, 33767 32"d Avenue SW, Federal Way, WA 98023
Deb Barker, Senior Planner
I 1-100544-UP Doc- LD 56936
P.O. Box 1 847
AUBURN, WA 98071-1 847
OFFICE 253-288TREE(8733)
FAX: 253.939.5126
WWW.THUNDERINGOAK.COM
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January 27, 2011
Steve Ikerd
Federal Way Parks Dept.
_l.5Lf -ao" /7-&o
Re: tree assessment #26/Yung Kim Residenc ad -
Dear Steve,
There is a Laminated Root Rot pocket in a small section of this forest, at the very southern end.
Two trees are dead or nearly so, about 60 feet SW of the home. They should be removed. No
other trees within 50 feet appear affected.
Near the stream bed, directly between Yung's home and Chanez's home is a large, dead
Douglas -fir. It died of natural causes (not root disease), but could fall either way and could reach
either property, as well as the path. Take top out of tree and create 25' wildlife snag.
A western hemlock tree off of the northwest property corner is in poor health and is dying from
the top down. It should also be removed as hemlocks rarely, if ever, recover from systemic
stress.
Regards,
Bryce Landrud
I.S.A. Certified Arborist #PN0232
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