Mount Vernon mayor warns of logging permit near Little Mountain; council pledges to explore options

Mayor Adam told the City of Mount Vernon council on Wednesday that the city learned July 20 that a parcel just outside city limits but adjacent to Little Mountain had been sold to a local logging company and that the new owner had applied for permits to clear trees from the site.

"I am determined right now to discover what options may exist when it comes to this critical and highly visible parcel of forested land," the mayor said, noting the property is governed for logging by the Washington Department of Natural Resources because it lies outside city limits. He urged residents to follow updates on the city's website and said council and staff will discuss next steps in the coming days.

The mayor told the council that “literally, hundreds” of residents had contacted the city, the county and DNR to express concern about the prospect of removing roughly 10 acres of trees from the side of Little Mountain. Public commenters at the meeting echoed calls for rapid action; Sage Will Creek urged residents to file a veiling/request with DNR immediately and pointed people to littlemountain.org for parcel ID and filing instructions.

City staff did not present a specific legal remedy during the meeting and emphasized that the parcel lies outside municipal jurisdiction for logging permits. The mayor said the city will examine any available administrative or acquisition options and will provide updates online. The council did not take a formal vote during the meeting on the matter.

Next steps: the mayor said council and staff will discuss options "in the hours and days ahead" and will post updates on the city website.