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 based on the 2008 Evergreen Communities Act (ECA), in chapter 76.15 RCW. The Act was modernized in 2021 to become the Washington State Urban Forest Management Act. Snohomish County Council Member Megan Dunn agreed to submit the policy for consideration in the 2024 Comprehensive Plan that was adopted in December 2024. The Plan says, “The following goal, objectives, and policies address the challenge of how to balance the need to plan for growth and development, while maintaining livability and a holistic approach for sustainable, equitable, resilient, and healthy tree canopy in urban areas.” (Pg. 667)

Futurewise was an important partner advising LWVSC in language and advocacy through the many revisions of the policy. Hundreds of people in the community shared information through the Climate Alliance of Snohomish County about attending hearings and writing to the Planning Commission and County Council as the initiative moved through the five-year update process. Population growth in Snohomish County provides both the need and the opportunity to design infrastructure that brings humans back into balance with our environment. The Policy provides a framework to address education, incentives, and enforcement and has created new standing for urban trees in any discussions about growth.

What's next?

There is work to do to support the county in the development of good ordinances, incentives and regulations. A new committee will need to be formed to follow these issues: How will the urban forest plan look? What resources will the county put towards planning and staffing? Will there be meaningful incentives and ordinances that will preserve significant trees on private property? On public property? Will the county fund meaningful enforcement? Will tree canopy be restored in vulnerable areas?

Accordion Widget

Future Actions

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

The League can 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 toolkit; Snohomish Public Utility District’s Tree Power program; and The City of Everett urban tree program.

The League can 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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