Submitted by the Port of Orcas

In an effort to maintain the safety of the flying public and airport, tree removal has begun on Port of Orcas property south of Mt Baker Road, east of Lover’s Lane, north of the Saw Shop and Enchanted Forest Road and west of the Eastsound Fire Station 21.

The port takes the requirement for environmental stewardship of the Eastsound swale in balance with our obligation to protect the safety of pilots, passengers and the public near the airport. We know the swale is a sensitive environmental ecosystem. The environmental and engineering analysis, as well as permitting for this project has been a multi-year effort to comply with federal, state and local law, as well as honor a conservation easement on the southern portion of the property. As required by law, that permitting process was publicly announced and invited public participation.

In the southern portion of the property, where the conservation easement prevails, the trees and foliage will be removed without the use of heavy equipment, the stumps will be left in place, mulch placed and native grasses replanted. The requirement is to minimize disturbance of soils and minimize the introduction of silt into the stream flow.

In the northern portion of the property, the stumps will be grubbed, native grasses replanted and mulched. Stormwater controls will be in place during work.

During construction, the path to town will be closed, beginning Sept. 23. The contract allows 45 calendar days for completion during which the path will remain closed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.