Saltwater Park Madrone vandalized
Monday, January 13, 2025
By Jonelle Kemmering
As has been reported here (see previous notice), vandalism continues at the top of the hillside along the north end of Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. Branches of a Pacific madrone tree have been repeatedly cut off by someone.
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| Large branch has been cut |
There was also discussion on how to prevent further cutting.
The area along 190th between 22nd Ave NW and 20th Ave NW is designated as a Critical Area.
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| Circle shows where branch was cut off fro the tree. |
Unlike other trees, the Pacific madrone’s fine roots have adapted to search deeply into rock fractures for stored water or "rock moisture," making it an important plant for stabilizing slopes and cliffs and preventing landslides.
Unfortunately, they are dwindling in number due to housing development and roadway improvements.
If you see someone damaging park trees or shrubbery, please don't engage with them. Call 911 to have the police intervene. Previous damage to this madrone has been reported under Police Case Number K24285801.
If you see someone damaging park trees or shrubbery, please don't engage with them. Call 911 to have the police intervene. Previous damage to this madrone has been reported under Police Case Number K24285801.
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3 comments:
My theory is if you look to the North and East it may be clear why someone is cutting this tree...
Agree that this is most likely for a view...look to north & east. I urge the City to educate the community about protecting these critical areas, on both public and private land. There are codes in place that need to be shared with residents and the City must monitor these situations more closely. This bluff area is at risk of landslide.
My friends and I who live not far from this area will start to keep an eye out day and night on these trees when we go on daily walks. Any sign of vandalism or suspicious activity, we will call 911 and endeavor to identify the people responsible - who likely live in the area as well. Surely people have better things to do with their lives than destroying public park trees and a Northwest iconic tree species such as the Madrone. If the trees and shrubs die, it could cause irreversible damage to the bluff slope as they are no longer able to stabilize the ground with their network of roots.
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