We were dismayed to learn that the Snohomish County Council recently approved the conversion of private forest lands to off-road vehicle (ORV) trails. It was not clear whether the ordinance exempts developers from completing Class IV special forest conversion permit applications for such activities, as currently required by state law. These permits require environmental studies prior to conversion of land used for forestry to other uses. It is imperative that such studies be undertaken prior to granting a conditional use permit for such a project.
We are particularly appalled that council member John Koster proposed reducing the buffer between these facilities and homes, schools and other structures from 2,000 to 250 feet. The only way that distance could begin to adequately screen such a facility would be if it were filled by a wall of that thickness and at least half that height, and accompanied by extensive measures to mitigate erosion and pollution.
The environmental damage produced by ORV use is indisputable. They cause noise, air and water pollution, as well as soil erosion – all of which adversely impact both humans and wildlife. These deleterious effects also degrade the forest’s capacity for wood fiber production by compacting soils and poisoning trees with pollution, as well as interfering with the web of life on which the trees depend – including mycorrhizal fungi, beneficial insects and animals, etc. Pilchuck Audubon Society supports sustainable commercial timber production on private lands. This ordinance hinders that goal.
There are a plethora of other outdoor activities in this beautiful county that families can enjoy together without laying to waste the planet our children will inherit.
Katherine Johnson
Pilchuck Audubon Society
Everett
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