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14-102509L CITY HALL' I- 33325 8th Avenue South Federal Way, WA 98003-6325 (253) 835-7000 www.cityoffederalway.com ff"IMMIM" Steve Ikerd City of Federal Way - Parks 33325 8th Ave South Federal Way, WA 98003 RE: Permit #14-102509-00-A1; STONE-WRIGHT 322518"' Avenue SW, Federal Way The Community Development Department has completed review of the potentially hazardous trees in the greenbelt behind the Stone -Wright residence located at 33251 8h Avenue SW. The small 10" diameter alder and fir nearest to the deck of the residence are located in a greenbelt that is within a 5-year wellhead protection zone and the buffer of a Category 11 wetland. Because the trees are located in an open space greenbelt and critical area buffer, any modification to them is subject to review by the Federal Way Community Development Department. The Department has issued Interpretation #10-0 1 that provides clarification of the proper procedure and decision criteria for vegetation removal within identified critical areas. I I OOECISION in i i ce Landrud. an ISA Certified Arborist, has determined that in their current, condition the trees CONDITIONS Requirement that the tree roots, of the above -mentioned trees, are not to be disturbed in the completion of this work. Analysis of Interpretation #10-01 Criteria 1. The proposed activity will not adversely affect water quality. Tree roots will not be disturbed and adequate erosion protection to the wetland buffer will be retained. 2. The proposed activity -will not destroy nor damage a significant habitat area. The trees are locatei within a wetland buffer. As such, it provides potential habitat to birds and small mammals. The reduction in height of the trees will not impact wildlife habitat as there is a dense population of neighboring trees of similar size nearby. 3. The proposed activity will not adversely affect drainage or stormwater retention capabilities. The work will have no impact on drainage courses. Mr. lkerd June 16, 2014 Page 2 4. The proposed activity will not lead to unstable earth conditions, nor create erosion hazards. The maintenance is limited in scope. The tree stumps, along with the remaining un-touched vegetation, will stabilize any possible erosion. 5. The proposed activity will not he materially detrimental to any other property, nor to the city as a whole, including the loss ofsig-nificant open space. The tree work will remove unsafe overhanging limbs and prevent a potentially hazardous fall. Removal of these trees would not appear to have a detrimental impact on open space. health of existing vegetation, achieve limitedpruning to allowfor view maintenance, reduc ry mass or redirect tree growth. or similar numxues.,rY4,'1or b) the i)robbsed aefiviiv k npeaunvv A It necessary for removal. 7. The proposed activity does not require review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEP,4). The department concludes that this activity is exempt from SEPA review. 8. The proposed activity is consistent with the requirements ofFWC Chapter 19.120, "Clearing, Grading, and Tree and Vegetation Retention. " The maintenance of the vegetation is consistent with the purpose statement and regulations of FWRC Chapter 19.120. CLOSING This administrative decision shall not waive cornDliance with futt m 61", 1611 eral Intem Kalon Thomas at (253) 835-2622, or Kalon.Thomas@cityoffederalway.com. Sincerely, --Z-- Isaac Conlen Planning Division Manager c: Kalon Thomas, Planning Intem 14-102509 Doe. ID, 65722 Date: May 30, 2014 To: Isaac Conlen, Planning Manager From.: Stephen Ikerd, Parks & Facilities Manager I.S.A. Certified Arborist #PN1942A Subject: Tree removal request I received a call from a concern citizen Verna Stone -Wright located at 32251 8tn Ave. SW; about trees that she was told by a Tree Service should be trimmed next to her home on City property. We had cut the ivy a year ago and didn't see anything of a serious concern at that time, but the ivy was covering much of the stem. I called Thundering Oak to perform an assessment of the greenbelt behind and adjacent to this address. Please see attached assessment of which I am in agreement and seek permission to handle the dead alder and fir tree with a damaged top section as recommended by Bryce Landrud a Certified Arborist contracted with the City. P.O. Box 1847 AUBURN, WA 98071-1 847 OFFICE 253-288-TREE (8733) FAX: 253.939.5126 WWW.THUNDERINGOAK.COM ZVJ�` _ l Steve Ikerd Uederal Wa% Parks 11ke: Verna Stone -Wright/ 32251 8 th Ave. SW. Dear Steve, th I visited Mrs. Stone-Wright's home on the 19 of this month. Previous work here included cutting a 'donut' ring around 6 or 7 Douglas -fir trees to kill the above -ground portion of the ivy vines. Currently, all of the ivy vines above 3 or 4 feet above ground are dead, and most of the leaves have fallen off. The vines however, below the cut, are naturally still alive and are sending out new tendrils on the tree stems. This was expected; periodic maintenance will be needed so that they don't attain full size 40 feet high again. The vines as they are now pose no threat to the trees. All of the trees but one near the home are in good health. One, a small 10 alder about 60 fee) away, is dead. It is leaning into the greenbelt park and poses no threat to any homes. There is neither evidence of previous tree failures nor any discoloration of individual trees that might indicate a root pathogen in the vicinity. While looking at the firs from below (greenbelt side), I noticed the fir nearest the deck has a significantly deformed top (upper 20%), where it juts out to the north before turning vertical again. Whether this was caused by the top dying or being broken is unknown at present, and i) could very well be sound, but the fact that it is a defect and is right over the deck is enough for me to recommend that it be removed. The tree is at best 12 feet from the house. It will not be missed with the number of neighboring trees of similar size nearby. Bryce Landrud, I.S.A. Certified Arborist #PN0232