Save a Forest in Southworth, WA

Southworth Forest Update:

Southworth Deforestation Causes New Wind Impacts

Posted June 24, 2023 by Southworth Forest

Exhibit 6Q: This overhead photo from above the Edwards property in 2017 shows the proximity of Puget Sound and the Southworth ferry terminal, from which prevailing winds now sweep across the Edwards parcel uninhibited, affecting properties to their west and north.

Mature forests are important influencers of local wind patterns. They are natural barriers that help block wind movement below the canopy level. The wind that passes through the forest carries warm, moist air to surrounding areas. When a forest is removed, this wind barrier is eliminated and warmth and moisture formerly produced by the forest ceases to benefit the greater region.

When a portion of a forest is removed, the trees around its perimeter become stressed because they are not accustomed to wind effects normally experienced by trees that grow in open spaces. These neighboring trees in dense formations tend to suffer windsnap and windthrow because of new exposure. The understory of surrounding areas is also damaged by encroaching noxious weeds.

The 2019 code-violating removal of the mature forest at 11090 SE Southworth Dr. near the ferry terminal in Port Orchard, WA has caused newly prevailing winds from the southeast to affect forested land to the west and north. With this wind comes dry, hot air, as well as odors and visible clouds of dust where no such impacts existed before. Neighboring trees have been damaged or died, sometimes due to windsnap, and all of these factors affect the aesthetics of the land and surrounding climate.

These wind impacts fundamentally change the local environment. Clear-cutters Meghan and Clint Edwards were made aware of the cascading problems caused by the new winds across their parcel, but they have no meaningful mitigation plans in their after-the-fact permit to legalize their deforestation. Not only will the wind carry dust and damage nearby forests in perpetuity, but the wind will inevitably blow the smells and allergens of livestock and pasture grass onto neighboring parcels. It already relays the smell of ferry emissions unlike before.

To demonstrate these newly impactful winds to Kitsap County's Department of Community Development for the consideration of Edwards' permit, neighbors to the northwest have created a video chronicle of wind evidence throughout all seasons of the year. This post shows evidence of the wind alone, establishing it as a perpetual problem that causes several other issues. A separate post, for instance, shows substantial video evidence of the resulting blowing dust impacts submitted to the County.

To combat these wind impacts, the County must compel the Edwards to replant a conifer forest buffer around the perimeter of their deforested acreage. Since these trees will be immature for many years, Edwards must also build solid boundary fencing until the natural barrier can deflect the wind. To reduce odors, animal pastures must not be allowed against the boundaries of the deforestation as Edwards proposes. The wind is a significant impact that must be mitigated.

We recommend you view the wind videos at 2X speed to get the clearest view of the impacts.

Exhibit 6A: A map shows the direction of newly prevailing winds since the deforestation. The winds originate from the nearby Puget Sound to the east.

Exhibit 6F: Four pink ribbons are attached to objects near Edwards' northwest corner as means of demonstrating prevailing wind directions in the summer of 2022. Two different angles are shown, the first facing south and the second facing southwest and looking across the Edwards clearing. (2022)

Exhibit 6G: The same angle is shown as the previous exhibit, but the video is from a different season (autumn) and time of day. The prevailing winds remain consistent. (2022)

Exhibit 6H: Winds are shown from west of the Edwards property shortly after the deforestation. The prevailing wind direction has remained consistent since. Also seen here are initial neighbor attempts to plant a protective conifer buffer. (2019)

Exhibit 6I: The same angle is shown as Exhibit 6G, but the video is from another different season (winter) and time of day. The prevailing winds remain consistent. (2022)

Exhibit 6J: The same angle is shown as Exhibit 6G, but the video is from another different season (January). The prevailing winds remain consistent. (2023)

Exhibit 6K: The same angle is shown as Exhibit 6G, but the video is from another different season (February). The prevailing winds remain consistent. The sound of the wind is notable in this video. (2023)

Exhibit 6L: The same angle is shown as Exhibit 6G, but the video is from early spring (March). The prevailing winds remain consistent. Increased noise from Sedgwick Rd. (State Route 160) on the far side of Edwards' property is evident in this video. (2023)

Exhibit 6M: The same angle is shown as Exhibit 6G, but the video is from spring (April). The prevailing winds remain consistent. The sound of the wind is notable in this video. (2023)

Exhibit 6R: The same angle is shown as Exhibit 6B, but the video is from spring (May). The prevailing winds remain consistent. (2023)

Exhibit 6P: Smoke from a burn pile on the Edwards property in early 2023 confirms the direction of prevailing winds from east to west. Properties to Edwards' west and north have suffered from these stronger winds since 2019. (2023)

Per State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) evaluation, the relevant WAC 197-11-444 elements for these wind impacts are:

• (1) Natural environment > (a) Earth > (ii) Soils
• (1) Natural environment > (b) Air > (i) Air quality
• (1) Natural environment > (b) Air > (ii) Odor
• (1) Natural environment > (b) Air > (iii) Climate
• (2) Built environment > (a) Environmental health > (iii) Releases or potential releases to the environment affecting public health
• (2) Built environment > (b) Land and shoreline use > (iv) Aesthetics