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Seattle’s trees and urban forest are vital to keeping our city healthy and livable. Trees and the urban forest comprise a vital green infrastructure. Trees reduce air pollution, storm water runoff and climate impacts like heat island effects, while providing essential habitat for birds and other wildlife. They are important for the physical and mental health of our residents.
Seattle’s rapid growth and an outdated tree ordinance are reducing these beneficial effects as trees are removed and not replaced. It is urgent to act now to stop this continued loss of trees, particularly large mature trees and tree groves. It is important to promote environmental equity as trees are replaced.
Please update Seattle’s Tree Protection Ordinance as recommended in the latest draft by the Seattle Urban Forestry Commission.
Here are the key provisions that need to be in the updated tree ordinance:
1. Expand the existing Tree Removal and Replacement Permit Program, including 2-week public notice and posting on-site, as used by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) – to cover all Significant Trees (6” and larger diameter at breast height (DBH)) on private property in all land use zones, both during development and outside development.
2. Require the replacement of all Significant Trees removed with trees that in 25 years will reach equivalent canopy volume – either on site or pay a replacement fee into a City Tree Replacement and Preservation Fund. Allow the Fund to also accept fines, donations, grants and set up easements.
3. Retain current protections for Exceptional Trees and reduce the upper threshold for Exceptional Trees to 24” DBH, protect tree groves and prohibit Significant Trees being removed on undeveloped lots.
4. Allow removal of no more than 2 Significant non-Exceptional Trees in 3 years per lot outside development
5. Establish one citywide database for applying for Tree Removal and Replacement Permits and to track changes in the tree canopy.
6. Post online all permit requests and permit approvals for public viewing.
7. Expand SDOT’s existing tree service provider’s registration and certification to register all Tree Service Providers (arborists) working on trees in Seattle.
8. Provide adequate funding in the budget to implement and enforce the updated ordinance.
5 Comments
David Moehring · November 12, 2020 at 2:56 pm
This is a wonderful story and testimony by UW’s Kathleen Wolf that promotes space for retaining and replanting large trees while innovating for increased density! The story by Martha Baskin with videography by Brady Lawrence is eye-opening!
Steve Zemke · November 15, 2020 at 5:54 pm
Great video on the need to save trees in our urban environments.
Heidi Siegelbaum · December 1, 2020 at 12:44 am
Trees are the mighty connectors- lacing together clean air, habitat, oxygen, flooding protection, beauty and human health- trees appreciate in value every day they stand. Let’s stay strong Seattle and find creative ways to develop while protecting these work horses.
Kathleen Wolf · August 17, 2021 at 10:11 pm
My thanks to Martha and Brady! The video is well produced, and offered the opportunity to amplify a message for the value of (big!) trees in our community. This region is home to some of the most innovative firms and minds in the world. We must turn that energy and creativity to plans for co-existence with a thriving urban forest!
Seattle voters overwhelmingly favor policies to protect and expand the city's tree canopy :: NPI's Cascadia Advocate · September 15, 2021 at 5:35 pm
[…] Trees and forests are a crucial ingredient in creating livable cities. They are a necessity, not a nice-to-have. We also know from experience that good intentions and resolutions are simply not a substitute for policy tools. […]
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