The Department of Natural Resources has approved a clearcut logging permit for 28 acres of woodland in the city of Newcastle below a popular hiking destination called the DeLeo Wall.
Public Lands commissioner Hilary Franz wrote in a letter following the approval that since the property is privately owned, the DNR cannot stop them from logging. Two surveys of the land were undertaken following letters from the cities of Newcastle and Redmond expressing their concern over possible environmental impacts. Both surveys found there was not sufficient evidence that the property, which is on a hillside, was at risk for landslides or erosion.
However, Franz expressed support for local entities to explore ways to acquire the property, which lies adjacent to the King County Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park.
“I encourage you to consider partnering with King County and interested municipalities to see if it is possible to purchase the property and conserve it as a natural area,” Franz wrote.
The Newcastle City Council voted to authorize city manager Rob Wyman to file an appeal of the decision with the state Pollution Control Hearings Board.
“We feel that this application, there are some components of it that we believe the DNR erred in approving it,” Wyman said.
The city argued the application should be re-classified, giving the city greater control over what happens since the majority of the property lies within the southeast corner of the city. Wyman said they believe logging could negatively effect the environment. Filing the appeal also allows the city to file a stay against the logging until the appeal is finished, effectively blocking logging until a final decision has been made.
A community group called Save DeLeo Wall was formed by nearby residents who want to preserve the plot of land as it is. Eva Lundahl is a member of the group.
“Right now we are not planning any events because we are supporting the city’s effort to pursue an acquisition of the property,” she said.
The city has been working with the land conservation organization Forterra which has been talking with the property owner. Wyman said the owners are not interested in selling, but he hopes they can continue talking with them. The property owners agreed to keep the land as forestland for 10 years. This means they can continue to log but likely will not develop in the near future. Wyman said they can re-apply with the DNR in six years if the want to develop on the property.
“We’re really hoping that the owner of the property sees the greater benefit to the community,” Lundahl said.
Aside from environmental concerns, members of DeLeo Wall are concerned about the aesthetic damage from a clearcut. The trees would be replanted but would take decades to regrow. Additionally, Lunhdahl estimated it could lower nearby homeowners’ property values by up to 10 percent.
The proposal comes at the same time as another property owner on the east side of the Cougar Mountain park is trying to develop a 57-unit housing complex on 45 acres near Issaquah, which has prompted a similar backlash by a group called Save Cougar Mountain.
