This page contains information about the legal aspects of the controversial and unlawful 2019 deforestation of a large property in the core of the Southworth ferry community at the eastern edge of Port Orchard, WA. Shortly after purchasing the property at 111090 SE Southworth Dr., clear-cutters Meghan and Clinton (Clint) Edwards were cited with violations by Kitsap County for their reckless removal of the forest. Neighboring community members have spent the years since advocating for environmental restoration while Edwards impatiently claims little to no responsibility for their impacts.
Below will be articles analyzing how the deforestation actions by Edwards are potentially affected by current Washington State law. Analysis of related legal arguments and decisions, and how they reflect the current state of the law, will help guide other communities fighting clear-cutting developers like Edwards. These topics include environmental (SEPA) law, general land use law, contract interpretation, title insurance, and the application of Washington Civil Rules in legal filings. Federal free speech laws are also intertwined with this case.
All filings and evidence cited in these articles are in the public record. They can be discovered at the Washington State Digital Archives and via public records requests to Kitsap County.
Litigation filed by impacted neighbors against clear-cutters Meghan and Clint Edwards is paused while the Kitsap County permitting process completes. The original 2021 case (21-2-01131-18) was withdrawn and partially decided in favor of the clear-cutters in a surprise decision at the Kitsap County Superior Court level.
Because the County failed to adequately recognize Edwards' environmental impacts and many errors in their submittals for the after-the-fact permit, neighbors have been forced to appeal the County's decision. That appeal is in process. Based on the outcome of that appeal, subsequent litigation in Kitsap County Superior Court can take shape.
None at this time. Check back soon!