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Monday, January 13, 2025

Saltwater Park Madrone vandalized

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. 

Large branch has been cut
On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, four members of the Parks Department, including the Supervisor, met with the Park Steward and Save Shoreline Trees supporters to assess the erosion of the slope along NW 190th St, and to discuss educating the residents along the bluff to the fact that damaging public park trees is illegal and is punishable as a misdemeanor under the Shoreline Municipal Code. 

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.

Circle shows where branch was
cut off fro the tree.
Locals may not be aware of the park's history. The big bowl shape there today was mined in the early 1900’s for the gravel it contained for use in construction. (See sign at the entrance to the Park.) 

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.


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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2025 at 6:48 AM

    My theory is if you look to the North and East it may be clear why someone is cutting this tree...

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2025 at 5:45 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2025 at 6:49 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete

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