IEC Position Paper on Tree Protection
Background:
Issaquah has long been identified with its beautiful tree cover. Unfortunately, like the rest of Puget Sound, Issaquah has been losing its trees at a rapid rate.
The changes in views are the most obvious impacts of tree removal, but the following are more subtle functions of trees and are equally important: eating (sequestering) CO2, retaining stormwater, stabilizing soils, maintaining and improving water quality of surface and ground waters, providing wildlife habitat, and cooling of ambient air and surface waters. Additionally, besides their aesthetic value, trees enhance property values. Therefore, trees are a large component in maintaining an excellent quality of life in Issaquah. Large trees in particular are important assets that cannot be easily and quickly replaced.
Goal:
Protect and enhance the functions of our forest to in order to maintain Issaquah's identity, charm, and livability.
IEC Short term and immediate priorities:
1. Establish a set of City regulations that stop the ongoing rate of tree loss immediately. The regulations should include:
Ø A complete survey of our current trees to serve as a baseline for future monitoring and improvements.
Ø Initiation of a function value for tree replacement.
Ø Increased protection of trees on critical areas, especially steep slopes.
Ø The placement and retention of trees must be carefully planned to promote their long term success. (example clustering)
Ø Extra protection of trees larger than 30dbh.
Ø A goal of 50% canopy cover city wide.
Ø Extra protection of City owned land.
Ø A requirement of at least 10 trees at >2dbh for new development and redevelopment per acre- in addition to the general canopy goal.
Ø Education of developers, City staff and public on the importance of trees.
IEC Long term priorities:
1. Consider our trees as an urban forest that must be understood and managed as a complex group of functions that interact as a whole. Establish a plan with which to manage our urban forest as a whole ecosystem. The plan should strive to enhance and manage our urban forest with the intent of maintaining our high livability standards. The plan should include an overall planting strategy, identify ideal trees, and identify both public and private opportunities. Finally, the plan should also recognize that the urban forest is an important community asset because trees--
· Are an important aesthetic element in our community
· Keep the air and water resources clean
· Mitigate the effects of global warming by sequestering CO2 and providing oxygen
· Cool ambient air temperatures in the summer therefore saving energy
· Stabilize soils
· Attenuate stormwater runoff therefore controlling stream peak flows and flooding
· Reduce noise pollution
· Foster a pedestrian streetscape
2. Identify a single City office that oversees all tree related issues.
3. Educate the community on the values of the forest and the ways they can protect and enhance it.
4. Establish incentives for retaining and planting trees.
5. Work with King County, the State of WA, and other owners to find ways to better protect the forests that surround Issaquah (but are not in Issaquah).
The IEC envisions a wide set of groups working together to protect our forest assets. The community can engage and learn a sense of responsibility for Issaquah’s trees, then be proud when progress is made in maintaining an enhancing our forest. The City plays a role in creating the main rules and regulations for tree protection in an open process but also as a coordinator for protection programs.
Our role as the IEC is to function as an independent monitor, to help provide education and to advocate for our Urban Forest.
Posted: 05/28/09