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

Bothell Way closed between 165th and 170th for power pole repairs

Saturday, November 5, 2022

At 10:30pm Friday, SR522 Bothell Way was shut down in both directions between NE 165th St and NE 170th St in Lake Forest Park for power pole damage that occurred during the windstorm. 

The road was still closed at 3:15am. LFP Police will post updates when that changes.  

Thank you for your patience and please drive safely.



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Fall leaves

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

 
Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Some of the trees are managing to hang on to their leaves in spite of the rain, so we are getting a taste of fall color.

This tree is on N 200th headed down the hill to Costco.




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Caring for our Environment, Urban Forests and Trees

Friday, October 28, 2022

Boeing Creek Park photo by Melody Fosmore
By Melody Fosmore

Whether it’s your own backyard, neighborhood or neighboring park, the first step is to become aware of the environment around you. 

Why should we care? Because we are a part of this ecosystem, we all call home. Imagine if we had not enough trees to provide shade or filter the stormwater which runs through our watersheds and into the Salish Sea which in turn provides nutrients to our local sea life - or imagine the loss of birds which keeps the insect population in check or provide bird songs? Even when weather is changing, make time to visit nearby woods alone and spend time in quiet observation.

Illustration courtesy 
https://www.traversotree.com/mature-during-drought/
Wildlife
: Get to know the wildlife that comes into your yard or neighborhood. What birds, squirrels and other larger mammals do you see? 

Do you live near a bog or water – do you observe otters, beavers, snakes, frogs, salamanders or fish? Do you see or hear owls? Bats? 

All of these animals and amphibians need the ecosystem to survive and our trees play a major role in their survival. And frankly, so do we. 

If you are lucky to have tall trees on your property you can help with habitat diversity in your yard. 

Suggestions include having a good ground layer including some downed wood for hiding and nests; a shrub layer for the birds to hide; and a strong overstory with mixed species of trees including broadleaf trees as they provide the most food and nesting value for birds and squirrels. 

Also, try not to rake up all of your leaves as that provides nutrients for the soil and hiding places for our wildlife.

Flagging on cedar trees
photo by Melody Fosmore
Trees and water
: During the fall you will see ‘flagging’ on our cedar trees. This is a healthy part of the cedar tree's life cycle. 

However, the heat waves of the past couple of years have affected the health of our tall trees and you can help by watering these trees during the warmer and dry spells. 

Once a week, about an inch of water to the soil, under the entire canopy diameter, is adequate. No need to overwater – and don’t let water sprinklers hit the bark of trees, they can physically damage the bark, causing fungus disease, and algae, inviting insect trouble.

Are you seeing signs of tree stress? Trees gain their growth from the crown, and so it’s at the top of the tree where you might see distress. No new growth, or the tip dying back is a warning sign. The heat dome of 2021 is really showing up now in our tree canopy. Even with the rain now here, continue to water just to re-saturate the water table. Monitor your tall trees for hazard branches that may require removal and always consult an arborist before you take a tree down. There may be hope!

 
Wildlife snag
photo by Melody Fosmore
A Wildlife Snag: Do you have a dead or dying tree in your yard? Ask the tree cutter to leave a 10-15’ snag. Bats, pileated woodpeckers, even raccoons love these snags for food and nesting. Bats love snags for their daytime sleep. Birds and bats help keep our insect populations in balance. 

The snags may not look ‘pretty’ but they provide an essential service to our local wildlife. I personally have enjoyed many moments of observing all the animals and birds enjoying a snag in my yard. The pileated woodpeckers are especially wonderful to observe.

Nesting boxes: Birds love nesting boxes in safe locations high enough off the ground from predators (including house cats). The boxes will need to be cleaned every year. See the attached resource in the list below for safe ways to hang a birdhouse.

Root damage
photo by Melody Fosmore
A kind note about dogs and our parks
: I am a dog lover so I understand the joy of walking your dog in our open woods. 

However, please bear in mind their impact - dogs running through salmonid bearing streams don't just spread disease to the water, they also tear up the reeds where the fish lay their eggs. 

And, they can expose tree roots which then become non-functional and compromise the health of the tree. 

Best to control their footprint and keep our woods healthy. 

Keeping on the trail and not creating new trails also protects nesting, trees and the entire ecosystem. Leaving no trace and a light footprint protects our parks for all to enjoy.

Enjoy the bounty of our environment and remember - everything works together and mankind benefits from the ecosystem, not the other way around!

Resources:
Melody Fosmore is the Co-Chair of Save Shoreline Trees



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Now it's really fall

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Temperatures dropping, trees changing color, and - oh yes - RAIN.

Now it's really fall. The heavy cloud cover that sits just overhead is no longer wildfire smoke but a lovely rain cloud. And it's ok to breath outside air.



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Bolt Creek Fire and Hwy 2 (closed and open and..) here are more details than you may have wanted

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Burning stump on Hwy 2
Photo courtesy WSDOT
By Diane Hettrick

Are you really sure you want to travel on Hwy 2?

It must qualify as the most dangerous road in the state. The stump photo is from yesterday's closure when the road was open and closed and open.

Tree hanging over Hwy 2. It eventually fell onto the Hwy.
Photo courtesy WSDOT
Do you really have to travel on a road where a burning tree can land on your car at any moment? Bad enough that the highway crews have to be out there.

Tree hanging over roadway. Photo courtesy WSDOT

If you travel this road, it sounds like it would be a good idea for you to check the conditions when you get to Index or any place where it would be easy to turn around and find a detour. 

Crew in cherrypicker remove tree from hillside.
Photo courtesy WSDOT
Several readers have voiced their frustrations at getting far along the road and being stopped at a place where it is difficult to turn around and then having to retrace their path to find a detour.

@WSDOT_traffic (Twitter) seems to have the most up to date information.

Here's what they posted about this tree on Tuesday:
US 2 UPDATE: Our crews will be up on US 2 today beginning at 12:30 p.m. to remove this tree. There will be a full closure of the road between MP 46-49 while they work. We will update this post throughout the day as we get reports from the field.
They finished the job and reopened at 6:44pm Tuesday.
FINAL 6:44 p.m.: US 2 has reopened. We say "Final" but this is obviously a fluid situation so more closures can happen. We'll do the best we can to get info out as quickly as we can. Please be cautious if traveling through US 2.
 
As far as smoke, for a while on Monday the wind blowing in off the ocean pushed the smoke from all the Cascades fires to the east.

The forecast for Tuesday isn't terrible. For up to the minute smoke forecasts, check the Smoke Map.  

For those who want to know why they aren't just sending in helicopters to dump water on the fire,
they are using "consumption strategy." 

Here's part of a blog entry explaining tactics. 

Fire Update: Containment lines on the south, east and west edges of the fire—namely, along US 2 and near structures—continue to hold well as the consumption strategy is allowed to continue. The fire will continue to produce smoke as it burns to the north into Wild Sky Wilderness. 
Firefighters remain engaged along containment lines to ensure that the fire stays in its footprint on its southern edge, as well as the southwest and southeast corners. Aviation is available and may be used – as weather allows - to make bucket drops to cool hot spots on the south and west of the fire. 
Suppression activities are still ongoing to increase containment, and repair of damage caused by suppression activities will continue in some areas of the fire that have seen little fire activity in recent days. 

These activities include chipping vegetation, repairing hand/dozer lines and other actions that will help to mitigate future erosion. In addition to suppression repair activities, the BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) Team will continue watershed assessments in the fire area into early next week. 

Bolt Creek fire map Monday evening 10-10-22 For the first time in a month, the fire made no progress. It is still 35% contained, has burned 13,396 acres and 224 responders are assigned.
BAER team current report on their Inciweb page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8429/
Incident Overview
A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is working on the 2022 fires affecting the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (MBS): Bolt Creek, Suiattle River, Boulder Lake, and Lake Toketie. 
The mission of a BAER team is a two-part assessment of post-fire watersheds. First, what are the potential risks to human life, safety, or property, and to critical natural and cultural resources? Second, what emergency stabilization measures can be implemented on federal lands in a timely manner to reduce unacceptable risks from potential flooding or debris flows? 
The MBS BAER team will present their findings and recommendations to the Forest Supervisor. If the BAER team determines there may be potential emergency situations, the short-term goal is to complete flood and erosion control protection measures before the first large rain events.

Once the fire is completely out and it finally starts to rain, the next concern will be landslides from the burnt out areas on steep hillsides over roads and possibly structures.

They are saying that this fire was human-caused. No one has provided details on what evidence they have or whether it was accident or arson, but they won't be able to fully investigate until they can get in safely.

Anything else you'd like to know?





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To Everything There is a Season

Monday, October 3, 2022

Winter
To everything there is a season
Photos by Doug Cerretti

The four seasons of the Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) 
located at the Edmonds Veteran Plaza, 250 5th Ave N, Edmonds, WA 98020

To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

Spring
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together

Summer
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time of love, a time of hate
A time of war, a time of peace
A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing

Fall
To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time for love, a time for hate
A time for peace, I swear it's not too late
--
Song popularized by the Byrds (1965); written by Pete Seeger (1959) who adapted the lyrics from the Bible (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) 



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Superintendent Reykdal unveils plan to more equitably distribute timber revenue for school construction

Friday, August 26, 2022

Chris Reykdal, Supt. of
Public Instruction
OLYMPIA—July 19, 2022—As revenues from harvesting timber on school trust lands continue to decline, it’s time to stop depending on these funds for the K–12 School Construction Assistance Program, State Superintendent Reykdal said in a recent media briefing.

Reykdal laid out his plan for re-allocating funding from the K–12 Common School Trust, which currently provides a small percentage of the funding for school construction across Washington.

In his plan, a portion of revenues from timber harvested in the rural communities - which currently are primarily provided to school districts in urban communities - would be retained within the communities that generate the dollars. In addition, Reykdal proposes the state reallocate a portion of the funds to support forest health and preservation.

His proposal calls on the state Legislature to completely fund the School Construction Assistance Program from revenue sources other than trust land revenue and instead, dedicate those dollars to projects in rural Washington.

“Rural communities in Washington have long generated this revenue through timber harvests and other trust land activities, but are not often the beneficiaries of it,” Reykdal said. “We should be investing this revenue within the communities where it’s generated and using a portion of the dollars to support forest health and preservation.”

Reykdal will propose the change during the upcoming legislative session as part of his 2023–25 Capital Budget request.




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Rally to protect mature legacy forests state-wide September 6 in Olympia

The Center for Responsible Forestry will hold a rally to protect mature legacy forests state-wide. 

On September 6, 2022 at 8:00am, there will be a rally in front of the Department of Natural Resources building (DNR) in Olympia. Groups from all over Washington are working to stop legacy forests from being clearcut on state lands. 

The groups seek a chance to tell the DNR that they want forests on public lands to be managed for climate change and biodiversity, not just for timber profits. The address is 1111 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501.

The State Supreme Court just ruled that the DNR can manage public lands for multiple uses to serve all the people of WA and are not limited to only timber harvesting. The Center for Responsible Forestry will be sharing a “Call to Action” that lays out seven changes that they want DNR to make. 

They invite the public to join them. You may REGISTER or just show up!



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Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services / Tree Board meeting August 25, 2022

Sunday, August 21, 2022

Shoreline Parks / Tree Board

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services / Tree Board meeting 
Thursday, August 25, 2022 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Hybrid format: Room 440 at City Hall and remotely on Zoom

The PRCS/Tree Board Regular Meeting on Thursday, August 25, 2022 will be held in Room 440 at City Hall using a hybrid format where both in-person and online attendance is allowed. You may attend the meeting in person, join via Zoom webinar, or listen to the meeting over the telephone.

The Board is providing opportunities for public comment in person, remotely, or by submitting written comment. In person public commenters must sign up in person prior to the start of the meeting, and remote public commenters must sign-up online by 6:30pm the night of the meeting. 

Attend the Meeting remotely via Zoom Webinar: https://zoom.us/j/97515984680
Join by phone: (253) 215-8782, Webinar ID: 975 1598 4680

To provide public comment remotely, email Lori Henrich at lhenrich@shorelinewa.gov by 6:30pm on the night of the meeting with 'Sign-Up to Provide Oral Testimony' in the subject line. (Note: In person public commenters will sign up in person the night of the meeting)
Submit Written Public Comment
Public Comment Document Library

Agenda Highlights:
  • Director's Report
  • Park Tour Debrief
  • Climate Action Plan Update



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More Trees in Kenmore - two free trees for Kenmore households and businesses

Friday, August 19, 2022

In partnership with King Conservation District, the City of Kenmore is offering two free trees for Kenmore households and businesses. 

Choose from a variety of different sized native trees to plant on your property and help increase Kenmore's tree canopy. 

Learn more and apply for your trees online by September 23, 2022. Trees will be available for pick up at City Hall on October 22. 



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Trees for Rail expands area to receive free trees, plants, and ground cover

Saturday, August 6, 2022


Trees for Rail
is a collaboration between Sound Transit, the City of Shoreline, and King Conservation District (KCD) to re-green the Lynnwood Link light rail corridor with native trees and shrubs as it passes through the City of Shoreline.

The program offers free native trees and plants for qualifying City of Shoreline residents. KCD will offer free consultation and installation of up to 2 trees, 4 shrubs, and 8 groundcovers in your backyard.

*This program is currently set to do plantings through winter 2022-23 and until project funds are depleted.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for the services offered, participants must reside at a qualifying address in Shoreline.

The qualifying list of properties has expanded since it was first offered. 

The updated list includes almost 2,400 properties in the Echo Lake, Ballinger, Meridian Park, North City, Parkwood, and Ridgecrest neighborhoods.

See if your home is pre-determined to be within the impact area of the Lynnwood Link Extension light rail project in the City of Shoreline. To see if your property qualifies for the Trees for Rail project, please use the map here.

If you think your property should qualify, but it doesn’t appear on the map, reach out to TreesForRail@kingcd.org

Shoreline residents also qualify for free trees from the city whether they are eligible for the Trees for Rail program or not. Information here This program is available until August 15.



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First Landmark Tree named in Shoreline

Friday, July 29, 2022

An American/Sweet chestnut (foreground), the first designated Landmark tree in Shoreline. Trees in the background (Douglas fir, madrone, Douglas fir) were deemed Right of Way (ROW) trees and denied Landmark status.

(You, too, can nominate a tree for Landmark Status)

By Kathy Kaye
Member, Save Shoreline Trees Advisory Board

A little-known program within the City of Shoreline allows homeowners and residents alike to nominate trees for Landmark status, a designation that bestows recognition of the tree by the City and protection from removal. 

As defined in Shoreline Municipal Code (SMC) 20.20.048, a landmark tree is, in part:  
“Any healthy tree over 24 inches in diameter at breast height (dbh)
that is worthy of long-term protection due to a unique combination 
of size, shape, age, location, aesthetic quality for its species…” 
 
If you are a homeowner, you can nominate your own tree. If the tree resides in a city park, anyone can nominate it for Landmark status. Only private and public trees qualify for this designation.

Right of Way (ROW) trees — also confusingly called public trees or street trees — cannot be nominated, as we, as homeowners, later learned. 

These are mature trees close to roads, walkways and sidewalks, and there are plenty of them throughout Shoreline. The City rejects Landmark status for ROW trees because they fall under SMC 12.30. Landmark Tree designation falls under SMC 20.50.350.  

In late June of this year, we received Landmark status for one of our trees, a 75-year-old American/Sweet chestnut hybrid that is 41 inches dbh. Formal recognition of our tree was a six-month-long process with twists and turns throughout. Nonetheless, our tree is now protected and its status recognized as the first Landmark tree in Shoreline. 

Background

In December of 2021, we nominated four of our mature trees for Landmark Status as described in the City’s Administrative Order 000068 053107. If Landmark status is granted (if it meets arborist criteria) and you are the homeowner, the City will create a covenant to be attached to your King County property records. 

It states that the tree cannot be removed without City approval, even if you sell your property. The homeowner pays for the covenant, currently $205. 

The process to get the ball rolling

We contacted Shoreline’s Department of Planning and Community Development about our intentions to obtain Landmark status and they walked us through the “process.” 

But really, there is no process, currently, for a homeowner or resident to follow. It is up to the individual to create his or her own proposal. The City recognizes this, stating to us that few residents in Shoreline have requested landmark status and that it, along with us, will be going through these steps for the first time. 

What to Include in your proposal

Our proposal was very simple and took a little more than an hour to complete. It included our names,  address and phone number, pictures of the trees and a brief description of each: name of the tree, diameter at breast height and approximate age. We emailed our proposal to the city and waited.
 
Over the next several months, the City kept us informed about what was happening with our proposal. We also knew that the City requires an arborist — hired by the City but paid for by the homeowner — to assess the trees under consideration and write a formal report. This report determines if Landmark status is granted. We agreed and the city contracted with The Watershed Group in Kirkland. 

A big problem

In April, the City informed us that three of our nominated trees would not be considered for Landmark status because they are public or right of way (ROW) trees. The City asked if we wished to continue with an assessment of the chestnut and we agreed.
 
Assessing the chestnut

In early May of this year, an arborist with The Watershed Company and an assistant City planner reviewed our chestnut tree. Both were professional and thorough, and we spent several hours asking and answering questions. The arborist could not determine what type of chestnut tree we had and showed us pictures of several examples. He took samples of fall leaves and nut casings but stated that he would return in the summer once the tree had fully bloomed to obtain leaf samples. His final determination was that the tree is a hybrid of Castanea dentata (American chestnut) and Castanea sativa (Sweet chestnut). And we received Landmark status. We paid The Watershed Company $785, a reduction in the original estimate because only one tree was assessed. 

Happy for our tree

We are relieved to know that one tree on our property will be protected from removal even if we sell our home. However, we realize that at any time the city can remove three other trees we have maintained for 26 years. 

In reality public trees are the citizens’ trees, just like trees in parks, and should have the same protection. 



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LFP City Council to hold Public Hearing for Tree Code on July 28, 2022 at 7:00pm

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Maple in Pfingst Animal Acres Park
Photo by Dan Short
City of Lake Forest Park
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022 - 7:00 P.M.

Proposed Code Amendments regarding Tree Canopy Preservation and Enhancement ("Tree Code")

The City of Lake Forest Park City Council has been reviewing proposed amendments to chapter 16.14 of the Lake Forest Park Municipal Code (LFPMC) code regarding Tree Canopy Preservation and Enhancement (Tree Code) for adoption under Ordinance Number 1245.

Amendments being considered include: 
  • amending the policy section by adding a statement regarding the importance of trees in mitigating climate change and explaining the particular importance of “Exceptional” trees;
  • the phrase “stand of trees” is replaced with the phrase “grove of trees” defined as a continuous grouping of trees of a certain size with overlapping canopies that occupy a defined amount of space;
  • amending the process for appealing an approved tree permit by not allowing the tree to be removed until the appeal period for a major tree permit has expired (14 days);
  • for removal of trees in critical areas, the proposed ordinance authorizes the city to require review by the appropriate professional but eliminates the mandatory requirement that a geologist or geotechnical engineer certify all permit applications on steep slopes, landslide hazard areas, or their buffers;
  • amends the “Tree replacement” section of the Tree Code and its use of native replacement tree species;
  • changes the assessment of tree canopy coverage from annually to once every five years;
  • the Ordinance does not currently propose, but it has been discussed, amendments to the threshold diameter of Exceptional trees.

The public hearing will be conducted during the City Council’s regular meeting on July 28, 2022. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm and the public hearing will commence thereafter. 

The public hearing will be held in person at the City Council Chambers and virtually. Instructions for how to participate in the virtual public hearing may be found on the agenda for the meeting. 

Written testimony will be accepted prior to the meeting and distributed to the City Council and verbal testimony will be accepted during the public hearing.

Written comments should be submitted to City Clerk Matt McLean at mmclean@cityoflfp.com no later than 5:00pm local time on the date of the hearing. 

Any person wishing to provide oral testimony at the hearing is encouraged to register via the Remote Public Comment Sign-in Form on the City’s Hybrid City Council Meetings webpage https://www.cityoflfp.com/615/Hybrid-City-Council-Meetings by 5:00pm on the date of the meeting. 

Persons who have not signed up on the online public hearing sign-in sheet will be called upon to raise their hand through the Zoom meeting webinar feature and will be added to the speakers’ queue by the City Clerk, to be called upon by the Meeting Chair or designee. 

A request to speak can also be made by phone directly to the City Clerk at 206-368-5540 prior to 5:00pm on the date of the meeting.

The agenda will be available here by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 25, 2022.

Matt McLean
City Clerk



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Trees for Shoreline: Get a Free Tree for Your Property

Friday, July 15, 2022

Application opens July 15

Eligible Shoreline residents can apply to receive free trees through Trees for Shoreline, a pilot program aimed at growing and maintaining a healthy urban forest. 

Trees are important for a healthy Shoreline. They provide a wide range of benefits to our environment and to our homes and properties!

When you participate in Trees for Shoreline, you receive:
  • 1 free tree per household
  • Help selecting the right tree and planting location
  • A watering bag and mulch for your tree
  • Training on proper planting and care
  • Planting assistance (subject to volunteer availability)
  • Ongoing care reminders

The application for Trees for Shoreline is open July 15- August 15. Learn more and apply for your free tree here.




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4,000 new native plants at Ballinger Park

Thursday, July 7, 2022

New lakeside plantings at Ballinger Park
Photo courtesy City of Mountlake Terrace

These are the new lakeside plantings and erosion control areas at Ballinger Park. These three areas contain 4,000+ native plants, including 10 Western Red Cedars, and fencing to protect those plants.

Please stay out of these areas so they can thrive!

The newly refurbished Ballinger Park is located at 23000 Lakeview Drive in Mountlake Terrace, just north of Shoreline.

--City of Mountlake Terrace



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Portion of NE 193rd St in LFP closed on Wednesday, June 29, for tree removal

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Same block in late May 2022
Photo courtesy LFP PD

On Wednesday, June 29, 2022 the Lake Forest Park Public Works Department will close a portion of NE 193rd St in the 4900 Block to remove a dead tree. 

The closure is scheduled to begin at 9:00am and end at approximately 1:00pm.

Traffic will not be allowed through the work zone during the closure, as large equipment will be in the roadway.

A different tree on this block fell in late May, blocking the road and taking out power lines. See previous article.



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My Garden: Cones being formed on a pine tree

Monday, June 20, 2022

Photo by Mike Remarcke
Not your interesting flower photo, but a nice shot of cones developing on a pine tree, I think!
--Mike Remarcke

Yes, I think so too.
--Editor



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Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services / Tree Board meeting Thursday on Zoom

Tuesday, April 26, 2022


Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services / Tree Board Meeting
Thursday, April 28, 2022 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm on Zoom
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/97515984680

Agenda Highlights:
  • Director's Report
  • Committee Updates
  • Urban Forestry Advisory Panel Recommendation
  • Park Committee Minimum Features
  • Comments from the Board
Link to Full Meeting Packet (PDF)

Comment on Agenda Items

Contact Us:
Lori Henrich, Administrative Assistant III
(206) 801-2602
lhenrich@shorelinewa.gov



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City of Shoreline acknowledges error in early removal of trees along NE 5th Avenue

Friday, April 22, 2022

Photo courtesy Shoreline Tree Code committee
As part of the 5th Avenue NE sidewalk project between NE 175th Street and NE 182nd Court, the City of Shoreline identified 23 trees to be removed in order to complete the project. 

This was after making design adjustments to reduce the original estimate of 99 trees for removal to 23. 

As part of the construction process, the City marks the clearing limits for the project and with an arborist makes a final determination if any trees planned for removal can be retained. 

In addition, trees scheduled for removal are posted for 14 days with a notice of their intended removal. During the 14-day noticing window, no trees are to be removed.

After the contractor staked the project area along 5th Avenue NE, but before the arborist’s review and the end of the 14-day tree removal noticing period, which would have been April 25, the contractor began cutting trees. 

In all, the contractor removed 15 trees early. This was an error in communication by the contracted city inspector and the sidewalk contractor. We acknowledge that the timing of the tree removal was an error. City staff are evaluating what led to this mistake and what steps need to be taken for future projects to ensure trees are not removed before the end of the 14-day noticing period.

The final inspection by the arborist occurred April 21. The arborist determined that all 23 trees identified for removal needed to be removed. Although the 15 trees were removed early, they still would have been removed as part of the sidewalk project. Of the 15 trees removed early, five were non-native Hollies that were found to be badly diseased and rotting.

The 5th Avenue sidewalk project is part of the 2018 Voter-Approved Sidewalk Program. We will construct sidewalks on both sides of the street and will connect to other new sidewalks that are under construction on 5th Avenue NE, north of 182nd Court, as part of Sound Transit’s 185th Street Link Light Rail Station. Sidewalks along 5th Avenue will provide a critical link for Shoreline residents to light rail.



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Letter to the Editor: Trees on 5th Ave NE cut down

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Trees along 5th NE

To the Editor:

Save Shoreline Trees (SST) tried for two years to save 17 trees in good and fair condition along 5th Ave NE from being cut down for the new sidewalk project which includes 6-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides of 5th Ave NE from NE 175th to NE 182nd Ct. We understand the need for sidewalks. Our concern is 6-foot-wide to 11-foot-wide sidewalks in residential zones.

In February, the City project manager emailed SST: “…the Contractor cannot remove any trees until the project is staked and the City and/or arborist review the staking against the tree removals. In other projects we have had the opportunity to preserve trees once the project is staked. We will review and evaluate again at that time.” This statement was repeated in the

Staff Study Report, item 8b
, March 21, 2022, page 4: “Staff will review the proposed tree removal in the field after the project improvements are 'staked' by a surveyor and evaluate opportunities to preserve trees before they are removed.”

Public notification was posted on the 23 trees to be removed on Tuesday 4/12. The notice included that the trees would be “removed on or after 4/25/22”. This included 13 public trees.

Most of the trees have been cut down. The Western red cedars #114 (46” dbh) and #117 (36” dbh) are still standing as of Wednesday evening 4/20 but large red “X” marks are on the tree trunks.

SST emailed City management and Council these questions the evening of 4/20: why were the trees cut down before the 4/25 removal date notice; and, when did the project staking and City arborist review regarding possible retention of trees take place? It seems the information provided to the public is inaccurate.

Melody Fosmore
Kathleen Russell
Save Shoreline Trees



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