Port of The Dalles Reports Illegal Tree Clear-Cut Along Riverfront Trail
The illegal clear-cut along the Port of The Dalles spanning at least forty feet long in front of recent building developments down on the Port near Klindt’s Cove Pocket Park.
By Cole Goodwin and Tom Peterson
The Port of The Dalles has reported an illegal tree and brush clear-cut that took place along the Riverfront Trail over Labor Day weekend to Wasco County District Attorney Matthew Ellis.
Port of The Dalles Press Release:
“Over Labor Day weekend trees and brush were clear-cut from Port of The Dalles property between Riverfront Trail and the Columbia River just north of Klindt Cove Park. The removal of the trees and vegetation happened without the Port’s permission and the Port is pursuing all legal avenues possible to prosecute the perpetrator. In Oregon, if you cut down a tree on property that you don't own, you are liable for three times the amount of damages plus attorney fees through timber trespass. The case has been referred to Wasco County District Attorney Matthew Ellis.
The Port contacted Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District (WCSWCD) to get their assessment of the damage that was done. Through their observation, very large mulberry trees and dozens of other trees and shrubs were removed. Prior to being cut down, the site contained willows, alder, and tree of heaven, and while mulberry is not a native tree, it functioned well for berry production for wildlife and bank stabilization along the river.
Stumps and brush left dumped on Port property following the clear-cut of the area along the Riverfront trail.
“There are very few sites along the Columbia River in our region that have riparian trees. These limited sites are scarce habitat for local and migratory birds and to rehab the site back to existing capacity will take 40-50 years of growth.” Scott Susi, WCSWCD.
The Port will be engaging an arborist to assess and assign a value to what was lost, and what it will cost to replace the riparian plantings.”
“It’s a nightmare what they did,” said Marilyn Wilks. She and Bruce Lumper first saw the damage during a walk along the Riverfront Trail over the weekend. “This is public land, it’s owned by the Port. Someone chose to illegally mow down a riparian zone and cut down habitat including trees and bushes that all kinds of birds, plants, and insects depend on, including migratory birds and they did it without any permission or any thought of the common good. This is a public trail, this is for all of us. It was an incredibly selfish action.”
The Port did not release the names of any suspects or perpetrators, however it is suspected that the perpetrator was someone who lived near the property that was clear-cut. Wilks said she learned that police had interviewed the people that had taken out the trees, but she did not know who they were. She said they told police they cut the trees down because they were a fire hazard and mischief was occurring underneath them.
Stumps and brush left on Port property following the illegal clear-cut.
