
Tree Removal Process
1) Washington State Department of Natural Resources, (DNR) is the land owner of North
Woods and Water Front Recreation, Inc. is the Master Lessee. Removal of trees greater
than 8” in diameter at breast height (4’5” from the base) is prohibited without prior
DNR review and approval. To reduce the danger of wildfires, dead trees should be
removed as soon as possible. It is the responsibility of each cabin owner to pay for and
to arrange for the removal of any tree.
2) DNR conducts in-person evaluation of living tree(s) that cabin owners may wish to have
removed to determine their timber value. Site visits to the North Woods will be
conducted three (3) times each year Spring, Summer and Fall. Carmella Murphy is our
primary contact at DNR. Sub-lessees/lot owners will be notified in advance by Jennifer
Russell as to Ms. Murphy’s next scheduled visit date so they can identify any trees that
may need to be assessed.
3) If you have trees you wish to remove, log into the newly created web portal at
www.waterfrontrecreation.com and click on Tree Removal Request. Enter the
information in the request form to include your cabin #, name, phone, email and # of
trees and submit it. This will automatically e-mail both Carmella.Murphy@dnr.wa.gov
and Jennifer Russell, Secretary/Treasurer of Water Front Recreation, Inc.
jennifer@waterfrontrecreation.com. Tie a brightly colored ribbon around the trees so it
can be easily identified during the next site visit.
4) Subsequent to her site visit Ms. Murphy will send a letter to Water Front Recreation,
Inc. (Master Lessee) for each lot noting the sub-lessee’s name and lot number citing the
merchantable timber value who will then notify the sub-lessee.
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5) The cost of the timber, as determined by the assessment, will be charged to the sub-
lessee or lot owner. Tree valuations are updated based on the current market value of
merchantable timber, which is updated typically every six months from the date of
valuation. If the evaluated trees are not removed within six months, their value will
need to be reassessed. Payment for the tree value should be made to Water Front
Recreation, Inc. who will then forward payment to the State of Washington.
6) Once payment is received by DNR for the merchantable timber, the sub-lessee/lot
owner is authorized to have the tree(s) removed at their own expense.
7) Trees that are removed can only be used for firewood. None of the timber may be
hauled offsite and sold to a commercial mill.
8) Prior to removing trees, each lot owner must ensure that the company performing the
tree removal provides Water Front Recreation, Inc. with a current certificate of
insurance. The certificate should list Water Front Recreation, Inc. and the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) as additional insured.
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9) Water Front Recreation, Inc., the North Woods Association, and the individual sub-
lessees must each have adequate insurance for any potential damage or accidents
resulting from the tree removal. Per the Lease Agreement, the State of Washington is
held harmless from any and all claims suffered or alleged to be suffered on the site or
arising out of operations on the site.
10) Check with caretakers Lee and Kim Olive, kimleeolive@gmail.com for a list of licensed
companies that have performed tree removal services at North Woods.
11) If you note a dangerous tree on your lot in between DNR site visits please notify Jennifer
Russell, with the information noted in step 3) along with photos of the tree in question.
She will coordinate an interim evaluation with Carmella Murphy at DNR. Safety and
security are of utmost importance.
Remember – it is the responsibility of each sub-lessee to ensure adequate insurance is
in place in case of damage or casualties. Please check with your insurance agent to
make sure you are covered prior to having any trees removed.