Showing posts with label trees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trees. Show all posts

Developers choose to "save" Significant trees that are dying

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Significant tree? Yes. Healthy? No.
A tangle of bare branches and what foliage remains is yellowing.
Photo from Save Shoreline Trees

By Claudia Turner
Save Shoreline Trees, Tree Preservation Code Team

As a supporter of Save Shoreline Trees and a member of the Tree Preservation Code Team, I am pleased to see a majority of our recent tree code amendments approved and become part of the City Code. They will affect permitting processes especially in our neighborhoods and its development. 

Last week, near my Richmond Highlands residence, Arcadia Homes began a project that will demolish a home in order to build two homes. Very soon, 26 of 32 existing Significant trees will be removed on this 17,000 sf lot at 16835 Fremont Ave N. 

The lot is tucked back and accessed only by a long driveway that, in addition to the single family dwelling, has a grove of conifers, maples and a Pacific madrone, currently filled with birds’ busy nesting activity and a resident weasel. 

I and my neighbors are distressed and sad to imagine the grove destroyed. We emailed our concerns to the city project manager, but unless we have Code-based remedies, there is little we can do. This is why the Tree Preservation Code Team was established.

When developers begin clearing a lot, they are required to follow one of our recently passed code amendments. SMC 20.50.310 Exemptions from permit, regulates how many trees they can remove – “the removal of 3 Significant trees on lots up to 7,200 square feet and one additional significant tree 7,200 square feet of lot area,” and “the removal of any tree greater than 24 inches DBH shall require a clearing and grading permit.” 

Therefore, 6 Significant trees will be retained with required new 50 replacement trees. Of the 6 Significant trees, I can see that one of the trees, a pine labeled “N” in the worksheet, has a DEAD top as well as other signs of dying. 

I also notice that a nearby “retention tree”, a small double trunked cypress labeled “GG” also appears to be dying. As you can see by the photo, “GG" is mostly a tangle of bare branches and what foliage remains is yellowing.

This is a common practice among developers, to select to retain trees in poor condition. 

 In 2020, near the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, a majestic Pacific Madrone was taken down instead of a dead cherry tree because the developer had chosen the dead cherry tree as its designated retention tree. 

Another example in 2019 on Ashworth Ave N. in the Echo Lake neighborhood, where, as reported by a Save Shoreline Trees supporter, the developer designated a “token sickly old apple tree” on the north edge of the project property. 

The developer will be removing 4 healthy Doug firs along the front edge of project property because there is zero-foot setback from the City sidewalk requirement. 

Thankfully, this loophole will no longer be available to developers going forward because TPCT successfully added one word, “healthy” to the Code’s definition of a Significant Tree. (See Ord. 955 SMC 20.20.048 T Definitions – Tree, Significant.)

Yet it is up to us, the public, to notice and report to the City’s Planning and Development Department any possible violations and curb the developers’ common practice of selecting trees in poor condition as part of its tree calculation. 

The public can email or call the City project manager to investigate, and if appropriate, he/she can issue a stop work order until the developer-selected retained trees can be evaluated by an arborist and if available, healthier trees can be chosen. 

We know that retained trees in a construction area often don’t fare well so to provide the best opportunity for their survival, it’s imperative that chosen trees are as healthy and resilient as possible. 

Also, urban forestry practices consider dying trees or standing deadwood good “wildlife trees” so woodpeckers can create cavities in them for owls, nature’s rodent deterrents, to nest. (See https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/living/snags). 

The public can urge the City to make site visits to ensure that trees are being adequately protected during construction by protecting their critical root zones. 

Essentially, Shoreline’s trees are a valuable resource and should be treated accordingly. We are at a point as a community that in order to preserve these trees, each development project will require close scrutiny.



Read more...

No right turn from Ballinger to Bothell Way on Thursday

Thursday, April 7, 2022

No right turn onto Bothell Way
Detour suggested by Google Maps
On Thursday, April 7, 2022 the right turn lane from Ballinger Way NE (SR 104) on to Bothell Way NE (SR 522) will be closed from 9:00am to 3:00pm

Crews will be removing a tree damaged by high winds earlier this week. 

Please use caution in this area.



Read more...

Shoreline City Council revises tree codes to better protect and preserve trees following two year effort by citizens

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Douglas fir photo by
Mike Remarcke
SHORELINE, WA, April 4, 2022 -- The City of Shoreline has new tree protections in place with the City Council’s passage of Ordinances 955 (on March 21) and 963 (on March 28) that revise and expand existing municipal code. These new tree protections go into effect on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.

Ordinance 955 states that all trees six inches in diameter at breast height (dbh) are considered significant; at least 25% of the significant trees on a given development site must be retained; and the removal of any tree 24” dbh and greater requires a clearing and grading permit from the City. 

The new code redefines a Landmark tree as 24” inches and greater as well as one having special attributes in its species. Previously, the City’s Municipal Code stated that significant trees measured 8” dbh for conifers; 12” for dbh non-conifers; 20% significant tree retention; and trees 30” dbh and greater required a tree permit.

The City Council also approved additional wording in Ordinance 963 that safeguards trees on construction sites, including increased penalties for protected trees that are removed. 

These new tree codes apply to residential, MUR-35’, MUR-45’ and Town Center-4 zones in Shoreline. (Mixed Use Residential 35 feet height limit

While the new tree codes will protect trees on some zones in Shoreline, there are seven commercial and development zones in Shoreline where all trees can be removed.

Amendments to existing municipal tree codes were submitted by the Tree Preservation Code Team, all of whom are residents of Shoreline. This group of citizens began studying the city’s tree codes in May of 2020. They submitted their amendments to the City of Shoreline in November 2020, which included nine tree code proposals, one public tree management proposal and an initiative for an Urban Forest Advisory Panel. Also included were reasons for the amendments and detailed justification. 

City staff reviewed the proposed codes and presented the proposals to the Planning Commission in October of 2021.

Citizens continued their determined campaign supporting these tree codes by emails, phone calls and public comments to City officials during the five month review process.

City Council reviewed the proposed code amendments in February of 2022. The tree codes proposed by citizens were approved by Council in March of 2022.

Street trees on 15th NE Google Earth

The tree canopy of Shoreline is well known and enjoyed not only by residents of Shoreline but also admired by visitors. One of the reasons people move to Shoreline is because of the abundance of trees that line the streets and neighborhoods. However, Shoreline and surrounding cities are losing their tall conifers and native trees to development. 

The Tree Preservation Code Team realized that trees could not be preserved unless the municipal code was changed. This grassroots campaign to change the city’s codes garnered traction with residents and tree supporters.

Due to their perseverance and the City Council’s passage of the ordinances, more trees will now be protected in Shoreline. 

With the continuing climate emergency, elected officials and the citizens of Shoreline agree that the many benefits provided by established trees, including carbon sequestration and heat reduction, along with providing needed habitat for Northwest bird populations, are all important and necessary reasons for stronger tree codes.



Read more...

Cherry blossoms and people

Saturday, April 2, 2022

 
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

Wayne Pridemore went to see the cherry blossoms this year, after two years of pandemic restrictions.



Read more...

Cherry blossoms: Sakura

Friday, April 1, 2022

 
Photo by Ken Berkun

The flowering trees are all either in full bloom or starting to bloom. This is one of the prettiest times of year with all the foliage in its party dresses.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

In the Ridgecrest neighborhood, an entire street of flowering plum trees is in full bloom on NE 165th next to Ridgecrest Elementary School.

--Diane Hettrick




Read more...

Cherry blossoms: The Quad at Night

Thursday, March 31, 2022

 
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

The Quad at the University of Washington is a beautiful space.



Read more...

Almost like being there: Cherry Blossoms at the UW

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

 
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Look forward to frequent photos of the cherry blossoms.




Read more...

Learn how to care for your forested property

Sunday, March 27, 2022

Photo courtesy WSU
There are a few spaces in the upcoming NW WA online Forest Stewardship Coached Planning course from the WSU Extension Puget Sound Forest Stewardship.

Learn everything you need to know about caring for your forested property, and be able to get one of these coveted Stewardship Forest signs. 


Online. $150


Read more...

Shoreline City Council updates City’s tree regulations

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

On March 21, 2022 Shoreline City Council adopted Ordinance No. 955 making several changes to the City’s tree regulations.

 
The most significant changes are described below:
  • All trees six inches in diameter at breast height (dbh) are considered significant. Prior to this change, conifer trees were considered significant at eight inches dbh and non-conifers at 12 inches dbh.
  • The removal of any tree greater than 24 inches dbh requires a clearing and grading permit from the City. Prior to this change, it was any tree greater than 30 inches dbh.
  • At least 25% of the significant trees on a given development site must be retained, excluding critical areas and critical area buffers. Prior to this change it was 20%.
The City’s tree regulations aim to balance private property rights with the community’s desire to preserve trees and their inherent functions and values. Among the goals of our tree regulations is to ensure there is not net loss of the City’s tree canopy coverage. One way of doing this is by regulating the rate of cutting and requiring replacement trees to be planted.

Trees in Critical Areas

If a tree of any size is in or near an area such as a stream, wetland, or steep slope, then the tree may be in a critical area or its associated buffer. These trees are protected and regulated under the City’s Critical Areas Ordinance. City review is required to determine whether property owners can remove or prune these trees.

Trees of Significant Size

Outside of critical areas or buffers, the City’s tree regulations only apply to significant-sized trees on private property, unless the area cleared exceeds 3,000 square feet. Significant trees are defined as any tree six inches dbh. Trees on public property and in the City rights-of-way are regulated differently than trees on private property. The City requires a permit for removal of trees in the rights-of-way.

A permit is required for removal of trees greater than 24 inches in diameter. Property owners may remove some significant trees with a diameter of less than 24 inches without a permit during a three-year period based on property size. Property owners may remove up to three significant trees on lots up to 7,200 square feet and one additional significant tree for every 7,200 square feet of lot area. It is always best to check with the City before cutting to ensure you are within the requirements of the code.

The City requires a property owner to obtain a permit to remove more than the number of trees outlined above. Please contact Planning and Community Development prior to any tree removal or pruning activity to verify code permit requirements.

Tree Removal Permits
Planning and Community Development
206-801-2500
pcd@shorelinewa.gov

--City of Shoreline



Read more...

Cherry trees in full bloom at UW

Sunday, March 20, 2022

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte
The cherry trees are in full bloom in the Quad at the University of Washington, Seattle. And this year there are no restrictions on crowd size or entrance.

The University of Washington welcomes the community and visitors to enjoy the iconic Quad cherry blossoms. The blossoms usually draw large crowds on campus. While masks are not required, some individuals may opt to wear a face covering.

Some of the 29 trees in the Quad
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

The 29 cherry trees in the Quad are right on schedule with peak blooms the third week of March, said UW arborist Sara Shores. Warmer temperatures and mild weather all factor into when the cherry trees start to blossom and when they reach peak bloom.

Virtual viewing options are also available, including UW Video’s live webcam overlooking the Quad, a virtual tour with photos from campus and tweets from @uwcherryblossom. Hear Shores explain how a cherry tree functions in the interactive “anatomy of a cherry tree” illustration on this webpage.

The University of Washington is located along 15th NE (see map) 



Read more...

Op-Ed: To Save Shoreline Trees - contact the Shoreline City Council

Friday, March 18, 2022

The tree canopy of Shoreline is sparse
Map shown as part of NOAA's Sea Level Rise map viewer

For two years Save Shoreline Trees has been active in our community to save our tall existing trees. 

This Monday, March 21, 2022 the Shoreline City Council is reviewing the tree codes presented by the Tree Preservation Code Team and making final decisions whether to approve them. 

At this pivotal point, let’s review.

The King County Growth Management Act created strategic goals through 2035. Shoreline’s growth target for 2006-2031 included building a minimum of 5,000 additional housing units which equates to a minimum of 13,920 new residents by 2035. 

A recent NOAA aerial photo of Shoreline shows the true reality of the results of development in Shoreline. Except in parks and privately held large, wooded land lots, it shows our tree canopy cover is sparse. What is Shoreline’s vision for what kind of city are we becoming? Are we going to be another Ballard? How does all of this affect our tree canopy?

Based on the number of city permits in place, we expect to see another 1,000 trees, a conservative estimate, to come down

(This is the same number of trees removed along 1-5 for the Sound Transit Link in Shoreline alone.) Along with the housing requirement, the city is also implementing the voter-approved new sidewalk installations throughout Shoreline. 

In March 2021, Shoreline staff changed the width requirements of new sidewalks from 5’ to 6’. The idea behind wider sidewalks is to encourage people to walk more, especially on streets connected to the Lynnwood Link transit stations. 

The city claims replacement trees, wherever they can fit, will make up the loss of removed trees. Cutting down our mature trees in favor of wider sidewalks in the hope of changing the behavior of people living here is a false assumption. 

We do believe housing and sidewalks are important – none of this is contested, but all of it is happening at the cost of our trees. We want the city leaders and staff to execute thoughtful creativity and a holistic approach to development that includes retaining and protecting our tall trees.

The city does not know how many trees there are in Shoreline. The last census of sidewalk trees was taken in 2003 and based on the 2003 data of the street tree inventory, a financial replacement value of $45,618,301 was assessed for just the right of way trees. These trees have value! 

According to City tree removal information, hundreds of trees are removed each year, Shoreline has lost conservatively over 2,000 trees since 2019. We need to save more trees.

A European study showing temperature differences
between a concrete and steel street and a tree lined street
Temperatures are in centigrade

Since the inception of Save Shoreline Trees, we have learned that in addition to the science-proven benefits of our mature, native Douglas Firs, Western Red Cedars and other evergreen species, are our FIRST line of defense to fight climate change by sequestering carbon 24/7. 

Our trees filter runoff that feeds our watersheds which in turn feeds the Puget Sound sea life; they clean the air we breathe, provide shade to counter heat island effects, are homes for birds and other urban wildlife. Replacement trees will take decades to do the job of a mature tree.


Douglas Fir in Shoreline. Photo by Melody Fosmore

As we studied and examined the City Code by reading the details, we found ourselves asking more questions and determined the city needs to strengthen and update existing tree codes.

If you agree with these code changes, please email, or call the City Council this weekend in time for the Council meeting on Monday. 

Every voice counts.


Our goal is to continue to save trees wherever they are in Shoreline for today and the near future. 

For example, we are advocating for creative sidewalk solutions so that mature tall trees remain to provide shade and ambience in our neighborhoods. 

We are advocating for a stand-alone Urban Forestry Advisory Panel that will pool volunteer community experts who will advise and assist the City on tree canopy issues.

In our two years, our readership and support has grown which is a sign that people care and value our trees and are willing to speak for them. 

All of us understand that Shoreline is growing, and the loss of trees is a casualty of development to meet future multi-housing needs. 

Yet, it is our belief that our city’s policymakers can guide this type of development to retain and preserve more of our existing tree canopy. Let’s prove to a new future Shoreline resident that Shoreline is livable because of thoughtful preservation of its natural environment and the trees in it.

Melody Fosmore
Co-Chair, Save Shoreline Trees
www.SaveShorelineTrees.com



Read more...

Waterfront Seattle sets foundations for future street trees

Friday, March 4, 2022

Setting concrete planter boxes for street trees
Aside from the rain, championship winning sports teams and the Space Needle, when people think of Seattle - they think of the outdoors. Seattle's surrounding natural resources are blessed with lush forests of towering trees and diverse species of iconic Pacific Northwest shrubberies. 
The vision of waterfront Seattle with trees
Although it may not look like it at the moment, our improvements will bring the forest to our city. Making that happen is not just a matter of planting trees and other plants, it requires foundational work. 

We are currently setting forms to build concrete planters that will house future trees and plantings along the new elevated roadway, helping our waterfront connect with the collective outdoorsy identity of the Pacific Northwest!


Read more...

Lake Forest Park: A Tale of Two Creeks

Sunday, February 27, 2022

Volunteers sampling benthic invertebrates living in McAleer Creek.
Photo by Dan Benson

By Brian Saunders, LFP Stewardship Foundation Board Member

The biological health of Lyon and McAleer Creeks has been sampled in Lake Forest Park (“LFP Streamkeepers team-up with LFP Stewardship Foundation to sample local streams” 10/25/21 SAN) for many years. A tale of how different these two creeks might be has emerged, even though they flow within 200 feet of each other as they make their way through Lake Forest Park to north Lake Washington.

As an instructor at Shoreline and North Seattle College, I am fortunate to have access to good equipment, such as a dissecting microscope, ideal for observing insects and their delicate anatomical structures. I am looking at a member of the Ephemeroptera (E·PHEM·er·op·ter·a), an insect order of mayflies, highly coveted by fly fishing aficionados. Having trained as a marine biologist, studying creatures like soft-bodied anemones, my recent interest in identifying freshwater invertebrates has brought me a sense of nostalgia. Counting the number of thoracic (body) segments, the positioning of abdominal gills, and looking up unfamiliar terms such as “cerci”, recalls long afternoons in a cold laboratory at Shannon Point Marine Station in Anacortes where I received my Masters at Western Washington University in the mid 1990’s.

Why do we care what (and how many) invertebrates live in a stream?

Identifying aquatic insects of streams provides a good deal of information regarding stream health. In the October article, I described how some aquatic “bugs” are very tolerant to pollution and human disturbance while others are not. By collecting, identifying and counting these organisms, scientists have developed quantitative formulas that score each waterway, to determine which are in excellent condition and which are fair to very poor (https://pugetsoundstreambenthos.org/). Examining 20 years’ worth of data on the biological health of Lyon and McAleer Creek, has revealed two creeks on two different health paths. Further examination of the chemical health of the creeks over the past 50 years, suggests that their future ability to support the present-day biota looks dour, unless strong actions to protect and mitigate human disturbances are taken.

Drainage areas for McAleer (green shaded) and Lyon Creeks (blue shaded) in Lake Forest Park.

A Look at the Overall Health Scores

The first thing to know is that both Lyon and McAleer Creeks are in Fair to Poor condition regarding their biological health, with McAleer slightly, but significantly, healthier than Lyon. A closer look at the specific organisms found in each creek showed that McAleer had significantly greater diversity of Stoneflies (a taxonomic group under the Order Plecoptera, known to diversify in healthy streams), and Clinger species (organisms that cling to surfaces between rocks and cobble along the bottom of the stream and are susceptible to being smothered by pollution and sediment). McAleer also had significantly less Tolerant species (species that are better adapted to polluted or disturbed creeks).
 

A Look at the Health Over Time

An environmentally conscious citizen isn’t just content to know the overall health of a neighborhood creek. They would also be interested in determining how it has fared over time and what might it look like in the future. With 20 years’ worth of data, we are fortunate enough to be able to do so, even though the data used to analyze the health of McAleer, and Lyon Creek was not collected by a single group, nor has it been conducted at the same site along the creek, or on the same dates from year to year. All of which can produce variability in analyzing the data and thus, can affect the interpretation of results and skew conclusions. We should all recognize that this preliminary account and should enthusiastically spur more data collection to fine-tune a clearer picture.

McAleer and Lyon Creek appear to be heading in opposite directions with their overall health trends. Over the past 20 years, McAleer Creek has been slowly decreasing its overall score. Specifically, the diversity of Predators in the creek has decreased and there has been an increase in Dominant species (less healthy creeks tend to be dominated by fewer, larger groups).

Overall Scores for Lyon and McAleer Creek over time.

In contrast, Lyon Creek has been increasing significantly in its overall health score over the last 20 years. Specifically, the number of Stoneflies, Caddisflies, and Long-lived species have been slowly increasing. Does this mean the Lyon Creek will soon be in good to excellent health while McAleer is doomed to an unhealthy future? Doubtful on both accounts. We can’t possibly predict future health of these two creeks without determining the factors that are affecting each creek and how or if they can be mitigated.

Of Roads and Recent History

It would take me several more articles to fully cover all the variables that affect McAleer and Lyon Creek and their biological health. For example, the area of developed versus undeveloped land the creek flows through, the total drainage area that each creek covers, proximity to non-point and point source pollutants, and the creek volume and flow rate. After researching a few of these variables, a few things popped out in the data: Roads and Creek History.

Typical storm drain in LFP that often
transports water directly into streams.
Stream ecologists have long known about the negative effects roads have on waterways. Roads are impervious surfaces that collect dirt, oil, and chemicals that would normally be filtered out before entering a stream if they were allowed to drain through a pervious ground. Storm drains that collect this toxic runoff, often drain directly into creeks. One of these chemicals, newly discovered from tire wears, is known to be the leading cause of pre-spawn mortality in Coho salmon (see article here:
 
Sure enough, when I looked at the biological data in respect to testing sites distance from the nearest road, that there was a significant “road” effect in the overall health score. Specifically, the overall score and species richness increased the further away from the road. Data like this should help us understand the significance of buffer zones for development projects near or along water systems.

Roads can affect creek health in other ways, even if the nearness to a creek is not directly obvious. When I analyzed the data from the different sites located in the upper regions of Lyon in comparison to the lower regions, I found the upper regions were significantly less healthy. Starting close to the headwaters of Lyon Creek in Mountlake Terrace just north of Terrace Creek Park, the overall health score of Lyon creek increased traveling downstream. A quick look at a city map showing the location of outfalls, pipes, control structures and ditches, all of which can severely disrupt the biological ecosystem of a creek, might help us understand why the upper regions of Lyon creek is relatively poor health compared to its lower region.

City map of Lake Forest Park identifying structures that may impede or
adversely affect Lyon and McAleer Creek

Climate Change and the Future of Lyon and McAleer Creek

Climate change awareness is growing. Humans have increased the average temperature of the planet by almost 1.5 ⁰C since the dawn of the Industrial Age, some 200 years ago. Surface currents are changing, and deeper waters are becoming more acidic. Extreme weather conditions are intensifying. Animals and plants are migrating into new latitudes and others are being displaced as their habitats change. By examining the chemical parameters of Lyon and McAleer Creek, I have found evidence that they are not immune to these forces of change.

The Department of Ecology began collecting data on Lyon and McAleer Creek in 1976 and although testing hasn’t always been consistent, trends over time are starting to emerge 

Regression analysis of temperature change for Lyon and McAleer Creek over time.

Both Lyon and McAleer Creek are significantly increasing temperature by +0.05 ⁰C per year. The average annual temperature of Lyon and McAleer creek has increased by +1.2 ⁰C since 1979. This could be due to the warming climate but also from increased development that reduce tree /riparian cover, preventing valuable shade to cool the water. This paints a gloomy picture for the present-day biota living in the creeks. The Washington Department of Ecology has assessed that 13 ⁰C is the Upper Threshold (non-summer) of tolerance for the more sensitive species at which point, will no longer survive. Extrapolating from the data trend, Lyon Creek will have an annual average of 13 ⁰C by 2038. Does this mean our creeks are doomed to be lifeless? No, they just won’t be able to support the life we see today or have seen in the past. They certainly, won’t support the iconic salmon species we know.

We Must Still Have Hope, and Take Action

Thinking back to the gray, overcast day in October when neighbors gathered to organize and strategize a day of biological sampling, I remember how invigorated and spirited people were. It was a day of hope. We are still hopeful. We understand that much harm has been done to both Lyon and McAleer Creek, some may be irreversible, but we still have hope. The hope that we cling to is embodied by a single species we collected on that day that, which has not been seen in either creek over the past 20 years. Cinygmula!

A picture of a species in the genus Cinygmula
which are sensitive to aquatic pollution.
A flat-headed species of Mayfly; the same group I introduced to you at the beginning of this article. This genus of Ephemeroptera appears more alien-like than emblematic, but a species of great importance and hope. Cinygmula is not any ordinary stream aquatic macroinvertebrate but is very intolerant to pollutants and human disturbance. The delicate feathery abdominal gills and lengthy three-tails speak to me of resilience and possibility. By enforcing buffer zone restrictions around creeks, mitigating road-runoff directly into creeks, and restoring areas that have been adversely impacted, it may be possible to entice more cinygmula-like species to return. And with their return, so does hope.

Streamkeepers and the LFP Stewardship Foundation is a cooperative volunteer group of local citizens who have a deep passion for the health and protection of McAleer and Lyon Creek.

If you are interested in learning more about this group, go to https://lfpsf.org/ or contact Brian Saunders at bandesaunders@comcast.net




Read more...

Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board Meeting Thursday

Monday, February 21, 2022

PRCS/Tree Board
Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board Meeting Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm on Zoom

You may join the meeting via Zoom Webinar or listen to the meeting over the telephone.
Agenda Highlights:
  • Directors' report
  • Public Art engagement plan
  • Committee Charter adoption
  • Urban forestry advisory panel recommendation
  • Street tree strategy discussion

Read more...

Olympic View Water District gains approval to remove 96 trees along Deer Creek in Woodway

Saturday, February 12, 2022

The green portion on the map labeled "Deer Park Reserve"
is the Watershed where 96 trees will be removed
Graphic courtesy Town of Woodway 
According to Woodway Mayor Mike Quinn, Olympic Water and Sewer District recently approached the Town with concerns about the condition of a substantial number of trees on their property in the Deer Creek Watershed.

"After several site visits, we have confirmed that 96 trees of various sizes present a hazard to Olympic View’s building and infrastructure." 

There also are trees along N Deer Drive that need to be removed. These trees mainly consist of alders that are at or past their life expectancy – most with a severe lean or broken tops.

Olympic View submitted a tree permit application, which was approved in accordance with the Woodway Municipal Code. They will now begin removing the trees.



Read more...

Shoreline Parks and Tree Board meets Thursday - will hear update on Urban Forests and review code changes for street trees

Sunday, January 23, 2022

Street trees on N 185th photo by Lee Lageschulte

The Shoreline Parks and Tree Board meets Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 7pm on Zoom.

They will review proposed code changes for street trees and hear an Urban Forestry update

The PRCS/Tree Board is providing opportunities for public comment by submitting written comment. Your written comment must be received by 6:30pm the night of the meeting. 

Please see the information listed below to access all of these options:

Attend the Meeting via Zoom Webinar: https://zoom.us/j/97515984680 
  • Call into the Live Meeting: (253) 215 8782 - Webinar ID: 991 1598 4680
Click Here to Submit Written Public Comment
  • Written comments will be presented to PRCS Tree Board and posted to the website if received by 6:30pm the night of the meeting.
Click Here to Sign-Up to Provide Oral Testimony
  • Pre-registration is required by 6:30pm the night of the meeting.


Read more...

Volunteers planted 600 trees at Paramount Open Space last Saturday

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

One of the 600 baby trees planted in Paramount Open Space
Photo by Janet Way
By Janet Way

This last Saturday, January 8, 2022 about a dozen volunteers planted 600 tiny Hemlock trees and many other native plants at Paramount Open Space.

These were provided by a grant from King County and the restoration effort is headed up by Jim Cronan, leader of Friends of Paramount. 

The restoration is a continuation of efforts begun in the early 1990’s by Paramount Park Neighborhood Group. The effort is restoring more conifers to the wetland areas.

The volunteers did incredible work. Jim Cronan is amazing and relentless at working on our site. We have a new grant to restore an additional section of the park.

He and his family live near Paramount Open Space and he works professionally for the U.S. Forest service.

I appreciate so much his positive spirit and continuing the restoration effort we started in 1989 at Paramount Park.

If you would like to help, contact Jim at paramount.open.space@gmail.com or 206-406-9883 (cell). Please visit our calendar for additional work party dates.



Read more...

Garden Guy: Choosing this year’s Christmas Tree

Saturday, December 18, 2021

Santa Garden Guy photo by Karson Bennett
By Bruce Bennett

It’s December already and I’m still looking for greenery for my house. Only, this time, it’s for the interior of the house. Not something small and pretty, if you please. I want potential, presence and perfume. 

I want a Christmas tree! 

And, as a gardener, I don’t want an artificial one. I want the REAL McCoy, a graceful sentinel which will fill the house with fragrance and create a centerpiece on which to hang the ornaments my wife and I have been collecting for each year we have been married or that have been given to us by friends and family. 

Douglas fir
photo courtesy oregonaitc.org
Every year, the task is the same – What type of tree do we purchase this time? If you are in a similar predicament, let’s spend a few minutes talking about the most popular Christmas tree species in the Seattle area and their pros and cons.

I prefer real trees as they are beneficial for the environment. They can stabilize top soil and create wildlife habitat while they are growing. After they serve in their holiday roles, these conifers can be reused and recycled as mulch, fish habitat, plant stakes and stream bank stabilization. 

They decompose in just a matter of a few years whereas artificial trees can lay in a landfill virtually forever.

From firs to pines to spruces, there are a good dozen or so evergreen conifers that are candidates for the best Christmas tree. After looking at the wholesalers around our greater Seattle-area market, you can expect to see the same five or six varieties. 

My (admittedly subjective) list includes these top four for your consideration.

The Douglas Fir is a quintessential Christmas tree that’s sure to make a statement in any home during Christmas. Growing predominantly in the Pacific Northwest, it accounts for nearly half of all Christmas trees in the United States. 

Blue spruce 
photo courtesy canr.msu.edu
Together with the Noble, they account for around 80% of the Christmas trees sold. The Douglas Firs have soft, shiny green-blue needles. They are one of the densest of the Christmas trees, and, if it has been trimmed to form a perfect cone shape, it can be almost too tight to decorate properly. Still, it's a popular selection for holiday shoppers due to its subtle seasonal scent, widespread availability and budget-friendly price. 

On the downside, Douglas firs don't last as long as other types of Christmas trees. So, choose a freshly-cut tree only a few weeks out from the holidays. Other firs to consider are the Noble, Fraser, Balsam, Concolor, Grand and Nordmann Firs.

Blue Spruce (AKA, Colorado Blue Spruce) is what you want if you would prefer a ‘White Christmas’ (with or without Bing Crosby singing the tune in the background). This Rocky Mountains native tree looks like it’s dusted in snow with its waxy grayish-blue needles and has dense foliage perfect for decorating.

The tree has a strong fragrance and a perfect Christmas tree shape as well And, this is a narrow species, reaching around three feet in diameter. Good for a tight space. The needles range from gray-blue to a silvery blue and are fairly sharp, (so not ideal choice for little fingers!) and the scent is not outstanding. 

However, this is one of the best species for needle retention. And as the tree makes a good ornamental, it's becoming increasingly popular as a ‘living’ Christmas tree. Other spruce to consider are the Norway and White Spruce.

Scotch pine photo courtesy canr.mus.edu

The Scotch/Scots Pine is another ‘Go-To’ Christmas tree candidate. It has stiff, upward curving branches that make it great for holding ornaments and bright green needles that grow in double clusters and range between one and an impressive three inches in length. 

It won't drop its needles even when it's dried out. 

But, wear gloves when handling as the needles can be sharp. It is one of the best choices for hanging both light and heavy ornaments. 

The Scotch Pine has excellent water retention when cut and its durability makes it simple to replant, so you can use it as a living tree year after year. The other pine to consider is the White Pine.

The Red Cedar may be a surprising candidate. But, here it is. Before cultivated Christmas trees became readily available, this was the Christmas tree of choice for many people due to its conical form and fairly long-lasting greenery and a pleasant scent once cut. 

Red cedar
photo courtesy oregonaitc.org
Because it's a member of the Juniper family, it has soft, pliable leaves rather than needles and this makes it less suitable for hanging heavy ornaments. The color range for this variety is wide, including dark green, bluish green, silvery, gray-green and bronze. The other cedar to consider is the Deodar.

Reminders: Whatever variety you choose for your Christmas tree, gently pull on the end of the branch with your thumb and forefinger. Fresh trees should hold onto all their needles. If a tree loses needles when you do the pull test, keep looking. 

When selecting its place of honor in your home, keep the tree as far away from heat sources and air ducts as possible. Make sure to give it a fresh cut at its base (at least 1 inch off the bottom) before placing in a stand. 

Give your new house guest water immediately and regularly to ensure that it lasts a full four weeks—maybe even five! With any luck, you’ll still be enjoying your tree as you ring in the New Year. If you have questions generated by this article or topical suggestions for 2022 articles, feel free to contact your Master Gardener Santa at gardenguy4u@gmail.com

With all that said: From my home to yours, here’s wishing you a warm and festive holiday season. May 2022 see us all come back to a greater sense of normalcy, appreciation for one another and life in the garden. Happy Holidays all!



Read more...

Photo collage: Fall trees in Shoreline

Monday, November 29, 2021


The colors have been wonderful this fall. There was such a variety of color and it lasted for so long. There are still some trees holding on to a fair number of their yellow leaves. And who knew we had so many maples in Shoreline?

Aerial photography by Jared Solano. Instagram @Juarez.Solano
And how about this shot with all our street trees?

Photographers:

Brenda Kent
Lee Lageschulte
Mike Remarcke
Cynthia Sheridan
Jo Simmons
Jared Solano
Janet Way



Read more...

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services / Tree Board Meeting

Sunday, November 28, 2021


Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services / Tree Board Meeting Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 7 - 9pm on Zoom https://zoom.us/j/97515984680

You may join the meeting via Zoom Webinar or listen to the meeting over the telephone.

Attend the Meeting via Zoom Webinar: https://zoom.us/j/97515984680
Call into the Live Meeting: 253-215-8782
Webinar ID: 975 1598 4680

Agenda Highlights:
  • Director's Report
  • Public Art and Municipal Art Fund Overview
  • City Financial Outlook

Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP