Att_07_SRI_Tree_Assessment_Report.pdf

Consulting Arborist Report:

Bechers Bay, Santa Rosa Island

Channel Islands National Park – 2021 Annual Historic Tree Inspections

Date of Report: June 15, 2021

Date of Inspection: May 16 – 19, 2021

Location: Bechers Bay, Santa Rosa Island

Submitted To: Laura Kirn

Chief of Cultural Resources

Channel Islands National Park

1901 Spinnaker Drive

Ventura, CA 93001

(805) 658-5752 laurakirn@nps.gov

Prepared By: Edwin Slowik

Certified and Consulting Arborist

Registered Consulting Arborist # 462 ISA Board Certified Master Arborist -# WE-0187B ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

ASCA Tree & Plant Qualification (TPAQ)

TREECO, INC.

2100 Goodyear Avenue, Suite # 1

Ventura, CA 93003

(805) 652-0404 treecoventura@att.net • www.treecoventura.com mailto:treecoventura@att.net http://www.treecoventura.com/

Bechers Bay, Santa Rosa Island 2021

Award 140P8421P0008: Historic Tree Inspection & Reporting

Edwin Slowik, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, and Registered Consulting Arborist

TREECO, Inc.

Table of Contents

Bechers Bay Overview

Eucalyptus Windrow Tree Evaluation Charts & Photos

Ranch House Tree Evaluation Charts & Photos

Research Station & Bunk House Tree Evaluation Charts & Photos

Appendix I – Site Map

Appendix II Estimated Work & Estimated Costs

Appendix III –ISA Pruning Guidelines

Appendix IV – Assumptions and Limiting Conditions & Certificate of

Performance

The following is my observations and recommendations for the tree work needed for the following locations at Bechers Bay:

• Eucalyptus Windrow (proposed campground)

• Ranch House Area

• Research Station and Bunkhouse Area

I have provided a Tree Evaluation Chart for each location. Such charts contain my recommendations and notations for specific trees and/ or groups of trees with corresponding photos.

The pruning time estimated for completion of all areas is 8-10 days on site.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding this report.

Sincerely, Edwin Slowik

Certified and Consulting Arborist

Registered Consulting Arborist # 462

ISA Board Certified Master Arborist # WE-0187B

ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

Eucalyptus Windrow Overview

A proposed campground with wind shelters is being planned for the area along the

Eucalyptus windrow at Bechers Bay.

The Eucalyptus trees along this windrow have all grown with a wind-swept shape and many have blown over due to the heavy winds. This windrow provides a good windbreak for the area where the campsites and wind shelters will be located.

(See Photos A & B.)

The back side of this windrow should not be pruned, except for potential safety issues. I have addressed these issues within the report. (See Photo C.)

There are 3 Eucalyptus trees at the entrance to the beach trail. These trees have low branches that could catch a visitor’s backpack when entering the trail. It is recommended to remove such branches for pedestrian clearance. (Photos 1-3.)

There will be an increase of foot traffic near the trees that could cause decline to the trees. To help prevent the trees from declining due to soil compaction by foot traffic, I recommend covering this beach trail entrance and any high use areas adjacent to the trees with a 4–5-inch layer of coarse wood chips to help prevent soil compaction by foot traffic.

All trees in the Eucalyptus windrow should have all dead branches raised up to 8 feet from ground level. This will prevent physical injury to visitors/ park personnel.

In general, any low, dead branches around the campsites should be pruned off.

Prune off any large diameter dead branches (2 inches or greater).

To prevent trip and fall hazards, all dead trees, and debris on the ground adjacent to the campsites should be cleaned up.

Overview Photos, Tree Evaluation Chart, and corresponding Photos to follow.

Photo A

Eucalyptus Windrow

Photo overview of the Eucalyptus windrow.

This area is where the proposed campsites will be located.

View from the northeast.

Photo B

Photo overview from the southeast side.

The red arrow is indicating where the entrance to the proposed campsites will be located.

Photo C

Photo overview of the back side of the windrow.

This windrow will provide good wind protection to the campsites.

No pruning should be done to this back side of the windrow, except for any safety issues.

Eucalyptus Windrow – Proposed Campsite

General recommendations for all trees in the windrow:

Raise up all dead branches up to 8 ft.

To maintain the wind block - do not prune back side (west side) of the windrow.

Tree # and/or

Campsite

Condition

Good

Fair

Poor

Prune out all dead branches from ground level up to 12 Ft

Remove all broken/ cracked branches dead branches greater than 1.5 inches above 12

Ft

Recommendations /

Notes

Photo #

C

Poor ✓ ✓ ✓

Northeast side of tree: Remove large, low branch, overhanging trail, back to its attachment.

1-3

327 Poor ✓ ✓ ✓ Remove large, low limb on southeast side of tree.

328 Poor ✓ ✓ ✓

Prune low limb to upright 2-inch diameter lateral on south side of tree.

Eucalyptus Windrow – Proposed Campground dead branches from ground to 8 Ft broken/ dead branches greater than 2 inches above

8 Ft

332 Fair ✓ ✓ ✓

West side of trail – remove large dead branch on east side and any small dead branches on east side that are low hanging.

Alternate

Restroom N/A

East side of fence already has clearance from any trees.

N/A

348 Good ✓ ✓ ✓

Remove 3 low branches on northeast side and old stub. Make any adjustments for alternate Restroom 1.

7-8 dead branches from ground broken/ dead branches greater than 2 inches

1A Poor ✓ ✓ ✓

Remove all dead branches on east side.

Raise up low branches as needed for installation of wind structure.

1B Fair ✓ ✓ ✓

Remove low limb to upright lateral.

Remove any low, dead branches hanging on east side.

10-11

1B Fair ✓ ✓ ✓

Remove all low, dead branches up to

8 ft. to avoid injury.

N/A dead branches from ground broken/ dead branches greater than 2 inches

1C

Remove large, dead branches on trunk.

Raise up any low, dead branches up to

8 ft.

Remove 1 low green branch

(southwest of flag).

12-13

2A

Remove large low dead leaders back to supporting branch on ground.

385 & 386

2B

Prune back branches on east side of tree to make room for wind shelter.

Clean up all dead debris on the ground in campsite 2B dead branches from ground broken/ dead branches greater than 2 inches

2C

Clean up all dead branches up to 8 ft.

Do not remove branch propping up tree.

2C

Dead Tree

(# N/A)

Fair ✓ ✓ ✓

Remove all dead branches up to 8 ft.

Clean up all dead branches on ground.

Remove dead tree on east side.

Poor ✓ ✓ ✓ Remove all dead, downed trees and debris in Campsite 3 & 4.

dead branches from ground broken/ dead branches greater than 2 inches

Raise up 2 lowest branches on east side to 10 ft.

Remove all low, dead branches up to

8 ft.

Dead tree

Poor N/A

Southeast of 393, adjacent to the old fence:

Remove dead tree.

Prune back the limb on the north side overhanging site.

Remove dead branches lower than 8 ft.

dead branches from ground broken/ dead branches greater than 2 inches

South side of #5

(Not on map)

Northeast side prune back 2 low branches on ground to small upright sprouts about 15-20 ft back from end of branch.

Prune back as needed for campsite/ wind shelter.

Prune back to upright lateral branches.

Remove large dead branches on east side.

Leave low prop branch that has embedded into ground.

dead branches from ground broken/ dead branches greater than 2 inches

Good ✓ ✓ ✓ Prune back east side 7 ft or as much as needed for wind shelter

West of old water trough:

Raise up low branches about 8 ft.

Clean up dead branches on the ground.

Remove low, large 4” diameter branch and dead wood on the northeast side of the tree.

dead branches from ground broken/ dead branches greater than 2 inches

Clean out dead branches on south side of the tree.

Clean out dead branches on the north side of the tree.

Suggest moving marker to west to allow access for path.

Raise up dead branches up to 8 ft.

dead branches from ground broken/ dead branches greater than 2 inches

Remove low branches on east side over pathway up to at least 8 ft.

822 Fair ✓ ✓ ✓

South of Campsite 11:

Prune back low hanging branches to clear pathway.

RR2

Not labeled on GPS:

Prune back, raise up 14 ft. on east side as needed for wind shelter.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALL TREES IN THE WINDROW:

dead branches from ground broken/ dead branches greater than 2 inches

833 Fair ✓ ✓ ✓

South side of RR2:

Prune off all small, stubbed branches up to 10 ft.

Remove all dead wood at least 10 ft.

up from ground.

Leave the large lowest stubbed off branch for a possible future prop.

Photos 1- 33

Photo 1

Photo of entrance to proposed campground area.

(View from northeast side of windrow)

Photo 2

Eucalyptus Tree # 325

First tree in the row from the Coastal Trail entrance.

The red arrow is indicating the low branch that should be removed to prevent catching campers’ backpacks as the enter the proposed campsite area.

The branch should be removed back to its attachment to the trunk.

Photo 3

Eucalyptus Tree # 325

Closer view of the low branch.

The trail should be covered with wood chips to help prevent soil compaction and to help mitigate the trees declining.

Photo 4

Eucalyptus Tree # 327

The red arrow is indicating a low branch that should be pruned off for pedestrian clearance.

Photo 5

Eucalyptus Tree # 328

This tree has a low limb overhanging the trail.

As indicated by the red arrow, prune back this low limb to an upright lateral branch.

Photo 6

Eucalyptus Tree #332

The red arrow is indicating a large, low dead branch that should be removed.

Remove all dead branches up to 8 feet.

Photo 7

Eucalyptus Tree # 348

Alternate Restroom location

The red arrow is indicating a low branch that should be removed.

Photo 8

Eucalyptus Tree # 348

An Additional view of the inside of Tree # 348.

The arrows are indicating the 3 low branches and a large dead stub that should be removed.

Photo 9

Eucalyptus Tree # 360

Location: Campsite 1A

Prune off the numerous dead branches on its east side.

Photo 10

Eucalyptus Tree # 363

Location: Campsite B

Prune off the numerous dead branches on its east side.

Photo 11

Eucalyptus Tree # 363

Location: Campsite 1B

Closer photo view of the numerous dead branches on its east side.

Photo 12

Eucalyptus Tree # 380

Location: Campsite 1C

Prune off numerous low dead branches.

As indicated by the red arrow, prune off the low live, green branch for safety.

Photo 13

Eucalyptus Tree # 380

Location: Campsite 1C

Side view photo of Tree # 380.

As indicated by the red arrow, remove this low branch for pedestrian safety.

Photo 14

Eucalyptus Tree # 381

Location: Campsite 2A

Prune back the dead top to the red line, as indicated by the red arrow.

Photo 15

Eucalyptus Tree # 385 & Tree # 386

Location: Campsite 2B

The right side red arrow is indicating one of the branches that should be pruned back to make room for the wind shelter.

The left side red arrow is indicating debris that should be cleared out for safety reasons.

Photo 16

Eucalyptus Tree # 390

Location: Campsite 2C

Prune off all dead branches.

The red arrow is indicating the branch that is acting as a prop to hold the tree up. Do not prune this branch.

This tree blew over some time ago, but it is currently stable.

Photo 17

Eucalyptus Tree # 389

Location: Campsite 2C

Remove all dead branches up to 8 feet.

Remove all dead trees and debris from the ground.

Photo 18

Eucalyptus Tree # 391

Location: Campsite 3

Remove all dead trees and debris from the ground.

Photo 19

Eucalyptus Tree # 393

Location: Campsite 4

Remove the dead tree that is adjacent to the old fence (south side of

Campsite 4).

Photo 20

Eucalyptus Tree # N/A

Location: Campsite 4

Remove this dead tree adjacent to the fence.

Photo 21

Eucalyptus Tree # 398

Location: Campsite 5

Remove all east side long, lanky branches overhanging the site. Prune back as indicated by the red dash line.

Photo 22

Eucalyptus Tree # 801

Location: Campsite 5

The red arrows are indicating 2 long limbs that should be pruned back by 15-20 feet back from end of branch.

Photo 23

Eucalyptus Tree # 802

Location: Campsite 6

Prune back to allow space for the wind shelter, as needed.

Photo 24

Eucalyptus Tree # 804

Location: Campsite 7

Remove all large, dead branches on the east side of the tree.

Leave the large, low branch that is embedded into the ground.

Photo 25

Eucalyptus Tree # 807

Location: Campsite 8

Prune back the east side of the tree by 7 feet, or as much as needed for wind shelter.

Photo 26

Eucalyptus Tree # 808

Location: Campsite 9

Raise up branches up to 8 feet.

Clean up dead tree and dead branches laying on the ground.

Photo 27

Eucalyptus Tree # 810

Location: Campsite 9

As indicated by the red arrow, remove the low 4-inch diameter branch.

Remove dead branches on the northeast side of the tree.

Photo 28

Eucalyptus Tree # 814 & # 815

Location: Campsite 10

Tree # 814: Clean out dead branches on the south side of the tree.

Tree # 815: Clean out dead branches on the north side of the tree.

Photo 29

Eucalyptus Tree # 818

Location: Campsite 11

Raise up dead branches up to 8 feet.

Photo 30

Eucalyptus Tree # 821

Location: Campsite 11, Pathway to Restroom 2

Prune back or remove all low and dead branches back to their attachments for pedestrian clearance for a height of at least 8 feet.

Photo 31

Eucalyptus Tree # 822

Location: South of Campsite 11, Adjacent to Pathway

Prune back low hanging branches to clear back from pathway.

Photo 32

Eucalyptus Tree # 828

Location: Restroom 2 Area

Raise up east side as needed for restroom structure.

Photo 33

Eucalyptus Tree # 833

Location: Restroom 2 Area, South Side

Prune off all dead branches.

Prune all small, stubbed branches up to 10 feet. Leave the large stubbed off branch for future prop.

Ranch House Overview

All Monterey Cypress trees should be pruned to have the numerous lower dead branches and broken hanging branches removed.

To prevent injury to all park visitors and park personnel – all dead branches should be raised from ground level up to 8 feet high.

The Monterey Cypress trees by the front gate to the Ranch House is in an advance state of decline and should be removed.

Tree Evaluation Chart, and corresponding Photos to follow.

Ranch House Tree Evaluation Chart and

Tree Type

Location Use Condition Recommendations / Notes

Monterey

Cypress

East Side

Ranch

House

Low Poor

Tree is 85% dead.

Recommend removing.

Monterey

Cypress

Northwest

Side of

Ranch

House

Low Fair Remove 1 large 3-inch diameter hanging branch. 2

Monterey

Cypress

Northwest

Side of

Ranch

House

Low Fair

Remove any broken, hanging branches.

Raise up any low hanging branches up to 8 ft above ground.

2 & 3

Monterey

Cypress

Northwest

Side of

Ranch

House

Low Fair

Remove any low branches up to 8 ft above ground.

Remove any cracked branches in canopy

2 & 4

Monterey

Cypress

Northwest

Corner

Side of

Ranch

House

Low Fair

Remove any low branches 8 ft or lower.

Remove any cracked branches in canopy.

2 & 5

Monterey

Cypress

Southwest

Side of

Ranch

House

Low

No work needed at this present time. N/A

Monterey

Cypress

Southwest

Side of

Ranch

House

Low Good Remove 1 dead branch on the south side of the tree.

Ranch House

Photos 1-6

Photo 1: Monterey Cypress Tree # N/A

Location: East side of Ranch House

Recommend removing this tree. It is in an advanced state of decline.

Photo 2: Monterey Cypress Tree # 884

Location: North Side of Ranch

The red arrow is indicating a large, dead, hanging branch that should be removed.

The branch is hanging by a thin piece of bark.

Photo 3: Monterey Cypress Tree # 885

Location: North side of Ranch House

The red arrow is indicating one of several broken, hanging branches that should be removed.

Raise up all low hanging, or dead branches to approximately 8 ft.

Raising the branches up will help prevent injuries to park visitors and/or park personnel.

Photo 4: Monterey Cypress Tree # 886

Location: North Side of Ranch House

Remove all low/dead branches up to 8 ft above ground.

Remove any cracked/ broken branches within the canopy.

Photo 5: Monterey Cypress Tree # 887

Northwest Corner of Ranch House Yard

Remove all low branches up to 8 ft.

Remove any cracked branches within the canopy above 8 ft.

Photo 6: Monterey Cypress Tree # 889

Location: West of Ranch House

As indicated by the red arrow, remove the one large dead branch on the south side of canopy.

Research Station and Bunkhouse Area Overview

Most of the trees in this area are Monterey Cypress. These trees have numerous dead branches that require pruning off the lower part of their canopies.

There are 2 trees should be removed: Tree # N/A (Photo 1) &

Tree # 904 (Photo 5). (Please refer to the tree chart that follows.)

Tree # 904 is a large Eucalyptus tree that is adjacent to the southwest corner of the

Research station. It overhangs the pathway that people walk under. This tree has fallen over in the past and has been supported by one of its large branches that is wedged in the ground. It also has a branch that is stuck in the canopy of an adjacent tree. I recommend removing this tree.

The large Monterey Cypress tree # 908 (Photos 6-8) overhangs a deteriorating stairway, that leads to the Bunk House. The tree has some heavy weight that overhangs this stairway. I was advised this stairway is going to be removed. I would advise to cordon off the area until such stairway is removed, and weight relief has been performed on the tree.

Tree Evaluation Chart, and corresponding Photos to follow.

Research Station & Bunk House Tree

Evaluation Chart and

Tree Type

Location

Use

Low

Moderate

High

Recommendations / Notes

Monterey

Cypress

North of

Low Poor

Recommend removing this dead tree.

Tree is too close to the southwest corner of the

Research Station.

Southwest corner of

Research

Station

Low Fair No pruning work needed at this time. 1

Northwest corner of

Research

Station

Low Fair Prune off large dead branches on the northwest side of the tree.

Eucalyptus

Northeast corner of

Research

Station

Moderate Fair

East side of tree:

Remove one large, low dying branch 10" at its attachment. Clean up low dead branches

3 & 4

Eucalyptus

Southeast corner of

Research

Station

Moderate Poor

Recommend removing this tree.

The tree is overhanging the walking trail to the

Bunk House. This tree is supported by a branch that is embedded into the ground.

South corner of

Research

Station

Low Fair

Overhangs old stairway – advised this stairway is to be removed.

Recommend weight relief on east side of tree on large 12-inch diameter limb, prune approximately

25% of its weight out.

Remove all low dead branch stubs.

Remove low dead branches.

6-8

Research Station

Bunk House Area

Photos 1-6

Photo 1: Monterey Cypress Tree # N/A

Location: Southwest corner of Research Station

The tree that is north of Tree # 897 (# N/A) is dead and should be removed.

The red arrow is indicating the dead tree’s large trunk. The tree has a large, heavy dead top. This tree could fall over towards the Research Station and cause damage.

Photo 2: Monterey Cypress Tree # 900

Location: Northwest corner of Research Station

Prune off large, dead branches on the northwest side of the tree as indicated by the arrows.

Photo 3: Eucalyptus Tree # 902

Location: Northeast Corner of Research Station

As indicated by the red arrow, prune out all the low dead branches on the east side of the tree.

Photo 4: Eucalyptus Tree # 902

Location: Northeast Corner of Research Station

Closer view of the dying low, large branch.

The red arrow is indicating where it should be taken back to its attachment to an upright lateral branch.

Photo 5: Eucalyptus Tree # 904

Location: Southeast Corner of Research Station

This tree should be removed.

This tree has fallen over in the past and is being supported by branches that are embedded into the ground and into the canopy of the adjacent tree.

The area below the tree is of medium use. People walk under this tree to get back and forth to the Bunk House that is lower down on the slope.

Photo 6: Monterey Cypress Tree # 908

Location: South of Research Station

This tree overhangs an old stairway. I was advised this stairway is going to be removed.

Prune to relieve weight on the east side of the tree on the large 12-inch diameter limb by 25%, which is indicated by the red arrow.

Remove all low dead branches and dead stubs.

Photo 7: Monterey Cypress Tree # 908

Location: South of Research Station

Closer view of the large 12-inch diameter limb that needs weight relief by 25%, as is indicated by the red arrow.

Photo 8: Monterey Cypress Tree # 908

View of the tree from the south side.

APPENDIX I

Estimated Pruning / Removal Time

APPENDIX II

Proposed Campground Site Map

(Provided by CINP)

Campground site layout with trails.

APPENDIX III

ISA Pruning Guidelines

ISA Pruning Guidelines

To Be Followed by Contracted Pruners

1) No more than 25% of live green foliage should be selectively removed from a branch or the entire tree unless recommended.

2) When a branch is cut back to a lateral, the remaining lateral branch must be at least one-third – one-half the diameter of the removed portion;

a.) Lion tailing is a poor pruning practice, and it is not acceptable.

This practice is when an excessive number of branches that are thinned from the inside and lower part of specific limbs or a tree crown, leaving mostly terminal foliage. This results in poor branch taper, poor wind load distribution, and higher risk of branch failure. (BMP. Tree Pruning Revised

2008)

3) All broken and cracked branches found in the canopy must be removed.

4) All dead branches two inches or greater in diameter must be removed.

5) If the qualified Tree Pruner observes a potential for failure in the canopy of the tree that they are working in, they are expected to use their experience to relieve weight on the problem branch to help prevent failure or remove the entire branch

(if needed) back to its attachment or a suitable size lateral branch.

6) Monterey Cypress tree(s): When removing the lower branches that may be supporting a branch above, caution must be taken to prevent the supported upper branch from failure, because the lower supporting branch was removed. If needed, cut back the lower branch to where it will still support the branch above it. This is a common problem when inexperienced tree workers attempt to prune Monterey

Cypress trees.

APPENDIX IV

Assumptions and Limiting Conditions

Certificate of Performance

Assumptions and Limiting Conditions

1. All legal descriptions provided to the consultant/appraiser are assumed to be true and correct. All ownerships and titles to any property are assumed to be marketable and good. Consultant/appraiser assumes no responsibility for matters legal in character. All property is evaluated and appraised as though free and clear, under responsible ownership and competent management.

2. It is assumed there are no code violations with regard to the subject property, such as ordinances, statutes or other governmental regulations.

3. All data supplied to consultant/appraiser has been obtained by reliable sources and verified as much as possible. The consultant/appraiser takes no responsibility for the accuracy or inaccuracy of the information provided by others and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

4. The consultant/appraiser shall not be required to give testimony or to attend court by reason of this report unless subsequent contractual arrangements are made, including but not limited to, payment of an additional fee for such services as described in the fee schedule and contract of engagement.

5. Unless required by law, possession of this report or a copy thereof does not imply right of publication or use for any purpose by anyone other than the person to whom it is addressed, without the prior expressed written or verbal consent of the consultant/appraiser.

6. Loss or alteration of any part of this report invalidates the entire report.

7. Unless otherwise stated, the report covers only the items that were examined and reflects the condition of those items at the time of inspection. The inspection is no warranty or guarantee, expressed or implied, that problems or deficiencies of the plants or property in question may not arise in the future.

Certificate of Performance

Property Address: Bechers Bay, Santa Rosa Island

I, EDWIN SLOWIK, certify to the best of my knowledge and belief:

That the statements of fact contained in this report are true and correct; that the report analyses, opinions, and conclusions are limited only to the reported assumptions and limiting conditions, and are my personal, unbiased professional analyses, opinions, and conclusions based on my training and experience;

That I have no present or prospective interest in the vegetation that is the subject of this report, and I have no personal interest or bias with respect to the parties involved;

That my compensation is not contingent upon the reporting of a predetermined value or direction in value that favors the cause of the client, the amount of the value estimate, the attainment of stipulated result, or the occurrence of a subsequent event;

That my analyses, opinions, and conclusions were developed, and this report has been prepared, according to current scientific procedures and facts commonly used by certified, consulting arborists as accepted arboricultural practices;

That I have made a personal inspection of the plant/plants that are the subject of this report;

That no one provided significant professional assistance to the person signing this report;

I further certify that I am a member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, and I am an

International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist. I have been involved in the practice of arboriculture and the care and study of trees for over 21 years.

Edwin Slowik- ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist

June 15, 2021

Date of Signature