Tumalo woman sues couple over felled juniper trees

A 76-year-old Tumalo woman has filed a timber trespass lawsuit in Deschutes County Circuit Court.

Charlotte Nash claims a couple willfully cut down “ancient” juniper trees on her property to improve their view of the Cascades.

The complaint states Nash sold part of her Tumalo property to a married couple, Veronica and Dale Partridge, last year. After the sale, Nash still owned a parcel directly adjacent to the Partridge’s newly acquired property.

Nash’s lawyer, Michael McGean, writes in the complaint, “…Partridge began building a new home on the property, with windows facing to the west.”

He goes on to say, “In order to improve the westerly view from their new dwelling, and to give them a view of the Cascade Mountains which they previously did not have, defendants (Partridges) trespassed upon plaintiff’s (Nash) property, and cut at least six ancient juniper trees that lay in the corridor between the footprint…”

Nash is claiming willful timber trespass and asking for $150,000. However, because the complaint alleges the act was intentional, Nash could be entitled to three times that amount. Oregon law says the Partridges could owe $450,000.

Nash also is claiming financial elder abuse because she is older than 65. She claims the Partridges took advantage of that.

The complaint, filed a week ago, names Dale and Veronica Partridge, their family trust and Adair Homes Inc as defendants.

Nash told NewsChannel 21 she did not want to go on camera. Reporter Katie Higgins knocked on the Partridge’s door, but there was no answer.