4704 HARBOR LN 2018-01-02 MF Import

Chase Properties / Merrill Creek Appraisal Report draft October 19, 2009 p.5 of 7 water on their leaves and branches and this also reduces the water load in the soils beneath trees. Big leaf maple, a species cut in this case, is a tree species that is considered to be very good at helping stabilize slopes. The trees located below the bench are a good example. I think these trees were one reason that the bench existed as it did. The trees were protecting the top of the bluff particularh• in the are above lot 49. The maples that were cut are also valuable as they were very large and supported well developed canopy ecosystems and wildlife habitat. Additionally the wood from maples of this size can be very valuable and this may be the case with portions of these trees. I saw no signs of trees acting as lever arms on surface deposits of eroded soils or colluvium. This is the only way that I know of that trees on a slope can occasionally be a negative influence on slope stability. In this case, on this site, it is my opinion based on my observations, training and, experience that the tree cutting has compromised slope stability. As described above the value of trees that are too large to be replace in kind is calculated by the Trunk Formula Method. The depreciation factors that I used reflect the natural sett'ng and use of the site (residential lot). However no method exists for valuing he damage to the beautiful natural ecosystem on the site. In my opinion the loss of the trees has vastly reduced the potential for building on upper parcel #49 and diminished the value of lot 48. I also understand that removing the felled trees from the slope has been proposed. A plan to use a crane set on top of the bluff to lift the trees out was mentioned. Based on my training and experience of over thirty five years I cannot see how this would be feasible. A crane large enough to lift the trees would be very difficult to set up on the edge of the bluff. This would increase the likelihood of additional disturbance to the slope. If the use of a crane is still considered, I recommend consulting with an experienced operator as well as an arborist specializing in crane work before allowing this to proceed. In my opinion, the best option is to leave the material on the slope and use it to help stabilize and support the reforestation of the area. If this occurs planning should include time and money for an experienced crew to cut the debris and manipulate it for greatest ecologic and slope stabilization benefits. This report does not include the costs for clean up and restoration of the site. Tree Solutions Inc. wmv,treesolutions.net 1058 North 39°' St. Seattle, WA 98103 Phone 206.528.4670 Fax 206.547.5873 ul (�