Urban Tree Canopy Policy - League of Women Voters of Snohomish County

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Urban Tree Canopy

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Policy

LWVSC composed its proposed Urban Tree Canopy Policy in 2019. Snohomish County Council Member Megan Dunn agreed to submit the policy for adoption to the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update. The Policy will provide a framework to address education, incentives, and enforcement to balance our place in the ecosystem. If adopted, the policy will create new standing for urban trees in any discussions about growth. Population growth in Snohomish County provides both the need and the opportunity to design infrastructure that brings humans back into balance with our environment. We must adopt and implement plans to build a livable community. We will call on the public to talk to each other and to our elected officials. We must adopt and implement plans to build an Evergreen Community. County agencies and staff have made revisions and you can view their current version.

The County Planning Commission voted unanimously in 2023 to recommend the policy. It will go to the County Council before September 2024. We will rally League members and others as members of the Climate Alliance of Snohomish County to send comments in support as it proceeds.

Work on this policy has enabled LWVSC to collaborate with many groups in Snohomish County. Thirty-two groups signed on to a letter in support of this policy. We have spoken at several community group meetings to advance the policy. We have received solid support from Futurewise who hired former Democracy in Action Award Winner Kristin Kelly to help LWVSC with strategy, resources, and outreach. We have developed relationships with county council members and staff.

What's next?

If the policy is adopted, we will have opportunities to support the county's implementation.

Accordion Widget

Future Actions

LWVSC can help raise awareness of the county’s efforts and look for effective forest management plans, regulations and incentives to increase urban tree canopy.

The League will look for ways urban tree programs are already supporting canopy growth in cities and the county such as the county’s Healthy Forest Program; Snohomish Conservation District’s URBAN TREE CANOPY FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT program; Snohomish Public Utility District’s Tree Power program; and The City of Everett urban tree program.

The League will seek opportunities to share the tale of our tree planting project in Everett's Delta Neighborhood. You’re invited to watch this short film about our efforts to plant trees in our urban areas. Others may find this a useful tool to inspire those looking to do this work to increase urban tree canopy.

Aerial photo of our watershed from 2003

Aerial photo of our watershed from 2020

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