Recent Low Impact Forestry Work (2024)
In late December 2023, Low Impact Forestry and Tree (LIFT) was selected from a group of local competition to complete a view enhancement project for a client looking to improve a lot prior to a real estate sale. Work began in January 2024 and was quickly completed to the absolute satisfaction of the property owner. Despite high winds, freezing temperatures, snow, and other ongoing projects, LIFT met and exceeded all site expectations.
The project included the felling and partial removal of roughly forty trees on a sloping site. The clients vision and concept was simple - to open up a view from a designated build site, thereby helping future property owners see the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Situated on a high point near the Mariner's Cove area of Island County (near Oak Harbor, WA), the property offered views of the dramatic North Cascade Mountain Range, as well as that of the gorgeous Puget Sound. Removing the trees in the anticipated view from the build site accomplished the vision of the client.
During the project, all standards of Low Impact Forestry were strictly adhered to. Damage to the residual timber stand was limited to less than five percent - well below industry standard. Wildlife habitat was minimally impacted, while zero impact occurred to the local hydrology features or watersheds. Furthermore, there was minimal impact to the forest floor, leaving healthy soils largely untouched. All of this was accomplished while vastly improving the recreational value to future property owners.
This project is an example of how Low Impact Forestry methods can be used to solve big problems with “little” machinery. Low Impact Forestry and Tree has a company motto - “Forestry for the Future”, and we take the tenants of Low Impact Forestry very seriously.
The view at the start of the project.
The view starts to open up with precise directional felling.
With most directional felling complete, a big change in the view is becoming evident.
With all timber now downed, the trees were “bucked” to length for a local firewood processor.
A small farm tractor with a Farmi 35R Forestry winch acted as a “skidder” to extract timber.
Keeping to a small skid trail, the forest floor was minimally impacted during operations.
Despite the snow and cold weather, LIFT kept on working to extract, deck, and load out timber.
The new view, after work was complete. Facing south, and on a clear day, the site offers a dramatic view of the North Cascade Mountain Range.
Recent Low Impact Forestry Work (2023)
Low Impact Forestry and Tree (LIFT) was selected in late September 2023 as the preferred contractor to remove thousands of pounds of logging waste and slash. The new property owners were notified by Clallam County that to be able to build on site, they would be required to remove all waste logs and slash debris from a delineated wetland.
This requirement came with strict stipulations that limited the use of heavy equipment as well as ensuring no further damages were done to the wetland. Utilizing experience, knowledge, and muscle, Low Impact Forestry and Tree completed the task within three days of arriving on site.
Using a small but powerful farm tractor coupled with a Farmi 35R Forestry Winch, LIFT moved all waste logs and debris out of the wetland without damaging the soil or negatively impacting the delineated areas. Some of these logs weighed in excess of thirteen thousand pounds!
This project is an example of how Low Impact Forestry methods can be used to solve big problems with “little” machinery. Low Impact Forestry and Tree has a company motto - “Forestry for the Future”, and we take the tenants of Low Impact Forestry very seriously.
Crossing the sound on the Coupeville to Port Townsend ferry.
Uphill from the wetland, a view of Mt. Baker was possible on a clear day. Slash and waste logs are visible below.
Logs, stumps, rounds, and slash were moved quickly and efficiently to a location discussed with the property owner.
After most of the “small stuff” was moved, a bigger challenge was presented - two large Western Red Cedars, nearly 25ft in length and roughly 64in diameter.
LIFT was blessed to be able to stay on site and enjoy the scenery while working - it felt more like a vacation than a job!
One small farm tractor with a forestry winch and two big Stihl chainsaws, plus a lot of hard work, and the job was accomplished.
All debris was moved out of the wetland from three piles, and stacked in a location easily accessible to a grapple truck for future removal.
Waiting at the Port Townsend ferry terminal to return to Whidbey Island - we brought back a large “cookie” cut to roughly 8in thick for the purpose of making a table for the shop.
