Alder trees were cut down off Irving Avenue last year.

Astoria is suing a property owner who allegedly cut down several alder trees on a vacant city lot across the street from his home.

The city filed a lawsuit against Steven Korth on Thursday claiming timber trespass.

The city claims that agents of Korth unlawfully entered city property off of Irving Avenue between 22nd and 23rd streets in April 2022 and cut down a number of medium to large alder trees, as well as other trees and shrubbery.

The Astorian reported last year that a geological professional examined the area, and that after investigating all the issues, the city said it would determine next steps.

The vacant city lot is located in a designated slide hazard area, according to court filings.

Korth declined to comment. He owns a home on Irving Avenue, according to Clatsop County property records.

City Attorney Blair Henningsgaard said the suit was filed after Korth did not respond to the city’s demands to reimburse expenses.

The city has calculated damages at more than $27,000, which includes inspection and cleanup of the site and costs to reforest the property.

“More than 10 days prior to filing this suit plaintiff made written demand upon defendants for payment of plaintiff’s lawful damages but defendants have failed or refused to do so,” the court filings said.

The city is seeking a judgment of more than $81,400 plus the city’s costs, disbursements and attorney fees.