Description
The Citizens' Tree Board actively encourages the planting, protecting, and proper maintenance of trees for long-term community benefit.
Goals
- Encourage Edmonds residents to become stewards of the urban forest.
- Sponsor an annual Arbor Day event.
- Increase community outreach and education on the value of trees, proper selection of trees, and correct methods for planting and caring for trees.
- Partner with community organizations on urban forest stewardship projects, including invasive plant removal and native vegetation planting.
- Provide advisory recommendations on draft tree codes to the City Council and/or Planning Board to help preserve and protect existing trees, encourage planting of additional trees, and protect trees with development.
- Work to develop funding sources to expand tree related programs.
- Help achieve and maintain Tree City USA status and Growth Awards.
Background
The Citizens' Tree Board was created in 2010 under Chapter 10.95 of the Edmonds City Code. The Board has seven members plus one Alternate and one nonvoting, ex officio position filled by an Edmonds City Council member. All Board members must be Edmonds residents and, if possible, represent different watersheds and neighborhoods. The code also notes a preference for members to have professional or hobbyist interest/experience in urban forestry, horticulture, habitat restoration, and related plant or wildlife backgrounds.