Priority Talking Points on Amending Mayor Harrell’s 2023 draft Tree Ordinance

Friends of Seattle’s Urban Forest Talking Points for Seattle Tree Protection Ordinance Update testimony before the Land Use Committee Remove the guaranteed  “development area of 85%.” for lowrise, midrise, commercial and mixed zones. If middle housing legislation passes in Olympia, all … Continue reading

2023 Seattle Mayor Harrell’s Draft SDCI Tree Protection Ordinance Issues

2023 Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s Draft Tree Protection Ordinance – Issues  We support the following provisions in the 2023 SDCI draft Tree Protection Ordinance: 1. Lowering the upper limit for exceptional trees to 24” Diameter at Shoulder Height (DSH) from … Continue reading

Key provisions that need to be revised or added to the draft 2023 Seattle Tree Protection Ordinance Update:

Key provisions that need to be revised or added to the draft 2023 Seattle Tree Protection Ordinance: Key provisions that need to be revised or added to the draft tree protection ordinance: 1. Require 20% lot allowance for “tree preservation … Continue reading

Preliminary evaluation of the draft 2023 Seattle SDCI tree ordinance update

The following is a preliminary evaluation of the draft 2023 Seattle SDCI Tree Protection Ordinance update. 3/17/2023 SMC 25.11 – Tree Protection needs to be updated in the draft to SMC 25.11 – Tree and Urban Forest Protection 2023 Draft … Continue reading

Comments on Seattle’s 2021 Tree Canopy Assessment Final Report

Comments on Seattle’s 2021 Tree Canopy Assessment Final Report The City of Seattle 2021 Tree Canopy Assessment Final Report was produced by the City of Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment using findings from the University of Vermont Spatial Analysis Lab … Continue reading

Amend Washington State HB 1181 to include Urban and Community forests

Testimony to Washington State Legislature My name is Steve Zemke. I am the current Chair of Friends of Seattle’s Urban Forest and Tree PAC. I recently completed serving 6 years on the Seattle Urban Forestry Commission.  Over 20 years ago … Continue reading

HB 1078 as written would allow developers to clearcut lots across the state!

Letter sent to House Local Government Committee members Sent: Friday, January 20, 2023 4:47 PM To: Davina.Duerr@eg.wa.gov <Davina.Duerr@eg.wa.gov> Subject: Concerns regarding HB 1078 to void tree and urban forest ordinances during development Dear Representative Duerr, This bill needs to be amended or rejected.  If … Continue reading