Trees are a vital element of the urban environment contributing to our social, economic, and environmental health. In particular, trees capture and slow rain, filter air pollution, provide food and wildlife habitat, and contribute to the character and beauty of our neighborhoods and business districts.
In order to maximize the benefits of Seattle’s trees, the City is updating plans and regulations to enhance our urban forest. City staff will be hosting an Open House to share information about the City’s current urban forest efforts and to hear community input on the City’s proposed updates. This event will take place in the Bertha Knight Landes room at City Hall (600 4th Avenue) on Wednesday, August 1, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Presentations begin at 6:00 p.m.
- Updates are proposed to these plans and regulations:Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP): The UFMP is the city’s overarching strategy to preserve and enhance the urban forest. The draft UFMP (www.seattle.gov/trees/management.htm) is available for public comment through October 1. Send questions and comments to Sandra.Pinto_de_Bader@seattle.gov.
- Private Property Tree Regulations Update: These regulations address trees on private property during development. Draft legislation www.seattle.gov/dpd/Planning/trees is available for public comment through October 1. Send questions and comments to Brennon.Staley@seattle.gov
Information will also be provided about these programs:
- ReLeaf Outreach and Incentive Programs: The City’s reLeaf program (http://seattle.gov/trees/) implements strategies to engage residents in urban forest stewardship. Send questions and comments to Jana.Dilley@seattle.gov.
- Street Tree Ordinance and Street Tree Manual Standards and Specifications: These regulations and related requirements protect street trees. The public comment period for SDOT’s Street Tree Ordinance has ended, but more information is available at www.seattle.gov/transportation/treeordinance.htm
We look forward to sharing information about these programs and hearing the residents’ thoughts about how we can work together to better preserve and protect Seattle’s urban forest.