LFP Public Hearing on tree canopy preservation and enhancement

Trees are the view
Photo by Christine Southwick

Notice of Public Hearing June 22 - Proposed Interim Regulations -Tree Canopy Preservation and Enhancement

City of Lake Forest Park
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023 – 7:00 P.M.

Proposed Interim Regulations
Chapter 16.14 LFPMC, Tree Canopy Preservation and Enhancement
___________________________________________________________

The City of Lake Forest Park City Council has been reviewing proposed amendments to the Lake Forest Park Municipal Code (LFPMC) regarding projects in the City’s right-of-way (ROW) that will require tree removal in the ROW or adjacent private property. 

A public hearing to consider the adoption of interim regulations authorized under RCW 36.70A.390 will be held to accept public comment on the following:

The draft interim regulations amending Chapter 16.14 LFPMC (“Draft Amendments”) are available for review on the city’s website: cityoflfp.gov under the Interim Tree Code Regulations Public Hearing Newsflash or by contacting City Clerk Matt McLean directly at mmclean@cityoflfp.gov;

• Possible use of a different appraiser’s guide for calculating Off-site replanting fees in LFPMC 16.14.030 of the Draft Amendments;
• Possible additional terms for an Off-site replanting program agreement in LFPMC 16.14.030 of the Draft Amendments;
• Possible revisions to the width of the ROW corridor, between 500 and 1500 feet, in LFPMC 16.14.030 of the Draft Amendments;
• Possible revision to the type of notice and posting requirements for Right-of-Way Tree Permits in section 16.14.040(B)(4) of the Draft Amendments;
• Possible additional areas added to the ROW Corridor Off-Site Replanting Areas;
• Possible additional terms addressing the species and height of trees that can be planted in the ROW Corridor as replacement trees;
• Possible revision to the type of notice and posting requirements for ROW corridor project permits in section 16.14.040(D)(7) of the Draft Amendments, including possible revision to the mailing area requirement and the sign posting requirement;
• Possible reordering of the prioritized replanting locations in the ROW corridor canopy replacement plan in LFPMC 16.14.040(C)(6)(e) of the Draft Amendments; and
• Possible deletion of replanting locations authorized by the ROW corridor canopy replacement plan in LFPMC 16.14.040(C)(6)(e) of the Draft Amendments.

The public hearing will be conducted during the City Council’s regular meeting on June 22, 2023. 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.gov 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 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.

Link to Draft Ordinance 23-1271.

Matt McLean
City Clerk
June 14, 2023

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Follow up to trees cut down near RB Saltwater Park

One lone tree left on 20th NE
Photo by Save Shoreline Trees

Representatives of Save Shoreline Trees met with Rachael Markle, Director of Planning, and Kevin Bagwell, Associate Planner, on June 8, 2023 regarding the trees which stood near the entrance of Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. (see previous article)

Per Shoreline Municipal Code (“code”) and confirmed by the City, the owner did have the right to cut down the two trees, as it was determined that they were on his private property.

However, due to inaccurate information and a mistaken removal, the owner has to pay for a tree removal permit ($239) and an additional $239 penalty. The owner must also plant three replacement trees for each tree removed -- six trees -- within 180 days.

Also per code, this owner, or a future buyer, cannot remove the third tree which is Tree #231, a Douglas fir 24.3” DBH, until there is another tree established on the property that is 6” DBH.

Per code, a property owner may cut down 3 trees per 7200 sf, and 1 tree each additional 7200 sf, every 36 months, no replacement trees required. Code also states that 24" DBH trees and larger do require a tree removal permit ($239/lot) and tree replacements as specified in the code.

Statement from Save Shoreline Trees:

The Richmond Beach community is disappointed. The Pacific madrone and Douglas fir cut down will be sorely missed by residents and visitors who admired their natural beauty and all the benefits they provided. 

The three trees were a community themselves, and now there is one solo tree remaining. They anchored the NW corner at 20th Ave NW and NW 190th St for a hundred years. Sometimes, there are reasons to not cut down trees even if code permits their removal.

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Large trees at entrance to RB Saltwater Park cut down

Madrone, Doug fir at entrance to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park

By Jonelle Kemmerling

Save Shoreline Trees Advisory Board

There has been shock and disappointment in the Richmond Beach neighborhood and larger Shoreline community. The afternoon of June 1, 2023, at 20th Ave NW and NW 190th, the tall trees on the corner across from the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park entrance were cut down.

After: stumps and debris. Photo by Marla Tulio

The beautiful old madrone measured 92" in circumference. It was 29.6" diameter at breast height (dbh). The Douglas fir was 100 years old.

Save Shoreline Trees contacted the City Public Works Department, as we had been informed these were right-of-way (ROW) trees. We worked for a year to save them from being removed due to the sidewalk project along 20th Ave NW.

On Friday, June 2, 2023 the Director of Public Works responded that these were not ROW trees as specified in the arborist report, but were privately owned and, per code, the owner could remove them without a permit. 

The property owner sought an exemption for tree removal under SMC 20.50.310(B). The information provided by the property owner's representative indicated that they met the criteria for the exemption. However, after receiving further information, the City is investigating whether the information relied on for the exemption was accurate.

However, the initial 2021 conceptual design by KPFF Consulting Engineers places the trees in the ROW. The Director of Public Works referred us to Rachael Markle, Director of Planning and Community Development.

After a day of emails with the City, it has been determined there is a discrepancy in the tree measurements. There are the measurements in the City-contracted arborist report, and the measurements provided to the Planning Department by the owner.

Remains of the madrone

Save Shoreline Trees has received emails, there were many comments at the Save Shoreline Trees booth at the Farmers Market on Saturday, June 3, and there have been postings on Nextdoor of concern about the loss of the trees.

Residents who enjoyed the beauty and benefits of these trees are dismayed by this outcome. 

We will see more trees come down in our neighborhoods due to the increasing need for housing and the impending middle housing regulations now required by state law. 

However, we will pay a price. Science is telling us now that trees are the cheapest and best defense against climate change.

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Land Commissioner Hilary Franz: Where there is heat - there is death

Summer is almost upon us! While June 27th marks the official start, we are already starting to feel the burn. Seattle experienced the second warmest May on record, with high temperatures almost reaching 90 degrees on multiple days. 

It was likely even warmer in neighborhoods that lack adequate tree cover. 

A study of the heat dome in 2021 found a 13-degree difference between tree-lined neighborhoods like Magnolia in Seattle, and more industrial neighborhoods like Georgetown.

I was fortunate to live in a neighborhood where the streets were lined with the towering horse-chestnut tree when I was growing up. This tree is every child’s dream, with its large trunks to scale and big branches to sit on. We would play for hours at the horse chestnut wars – launching these fist sized seeds at each other. This is something every child deserves – a tree to play on. 

Every child deserves a tree that can provide shade from the sun and a place to cool off from the heat. Every child deserves the benefits of a healthy neighborhood that trees can provide. This is something we must achieve – and something we can achieve.

Because where there is heat, there is death. At the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), we talk a lot about wildfire and drought, but we know for a fact that heat kills more people in the United States than any other kind of extreme weather.

Throughout our state, lower-income communities and communities of color predominantly live in neighborhoods with a higher share of concrete surfaces, which increase the heat. These include roads, buildings, and parking lots with very limited numbers of trees and parks.

That’s why we have set an ambitious goal to ensure tree equity on every street and in every neighborhood across the state – the first state to set such a bold goal. To achieve this, we’re going to partner with communities, non-profits, and local governments.

All told, nearly 4 million people in Washington live in neighborhoods lacking adequate tree cover, according to an analysis by our partners at American Forests. I am proud to lead a team that is pro-actively solving this issue — among many others — that directly impact and improve our abilities to live happy, healthy lives in the great state of Washington

--Hilary S. Franz

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Deadline extended to May 19 for Open youth membership position on the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board

Brugger's Bog photo by Lien Titus

The deadline for applying to be a youth member of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board has been extended to Friday, May 19.

If you are interested, you can complete and submit your application online. 

If you would like to submit a paper application, you can pick one up from the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall and return it there after you have completed it.

Are you a Shoreline resident between the ages of 15 and 19? Are you looking for a leadership opportunity or community service hours? Do you want to help shape the future of Shoreline by having a say in the City’s parks, recreation programs, and events? 

If you want to gain experience in civic government and make a difference in your community, then become a member of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS)/Tree Board.

The City is accepting applications for one youth position to serve on the PRCS/Tree Board for the 2023/2024 academic year.

The Board consists of seven adult members and two non-voting youth members, ages 15-19 years. The youth appointed to this position has the option to begin their term in July or wait until September as their schedule allows. Per a recently adopted ordinance, Board members will be compensated at a rate of $50 per meeting.

The PRCS/Tree Board advises the City Council and City staff on a variety of issues related to parks, recreation, public art, special events, cultural services, and trees on public property. Topics may include park operation and design; programs and events; property acquisition; arts opportunities; and development of planning documents, rules, or regulations.

The Board meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from January through October and the first Thursday in December from 7:00 to 9:00pm at City Hall. Current Board meetings are held using a hybrid format allowing for either in-person or online attendance.

The youth of our community are users of parks, trails and recreational programs and their representation on the Board is encouraged by the City Council and welcomed by Board members and staff.

Completed applications must be submitted no later than 5:00pm on Friday, May 19, 2023. We will contact you after the deadline regarding the status of your application.

If you have questions, you can contact Recreation, Cultural, and Community Services Director Mary Reidy at 206-801-2621 or mreidy@shorelinewa.gov

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Open youth membership position on the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board

Are you a Shoreline resident between the ages of 15 and 19? Are you looking for a leadership opportunity or community service hours? Do you want to help shape the future of Shoreline by having a say in the City’s parks, recreation programs, and events? 

If you want to gain experience in civic government and make a difference in your community, then become a member of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS)/Tree Board.

The City is accepting applications for one youth position to serve on the PRCS/Tree Board for the 2023/2024 academic year.

The Board consists of seven adult members and two non-voting youth members, ages 15-19 years. The youth appointed to this position has the option to begin their term in July or wait until September as their schedule allows. Per a recently adopted ordinance, Board members will be compensated at a rate of $50 per meeting.

The PRCS/Tree Board advises the City Council and City staff on a variety of issues related to parks, recreation, public art, special events, cultural services, and trees on public property. Topics may include park operation and design; programs and events; property acquisition; arts opportunities; and development of planning documents, rules, or regulations.

The Board meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from January through October and the first Thursday in December from 7:00 to 9:00pm at City Hall. Current Board meetings are held using a hybrid format allowing for either in-person or online attendance.

The youth of our community are users of parks, trails and recreational programs and their representation on the Board is encouraged by the City Council and welcomed by Board members and staff.

If you are interested, you can complete and submit your application online. If you would like to submit a paper application, you can pick one up from the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall and return it there after you have completed it.

Completed applications must be submitted no later than 5:00pm on Friday, May 12, 2023. You will contacted after the deadline regarding the status of your application.

If you have questions, you can contact Recreation, Cultural, and Community Services Director Mary Reidy at 206-801-2621 or mreidy@shorelinewa.gov

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A tranquil view

 

Photo by Mike Remarcke

Snow-capped Cascade peaks peek from behind the towering evergreens but can't block the view of moon and sky.

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Join the LFP tree board to plant a tree in Horizon View Park Saturday

The Lake Forest Park Tree Board will plant a Japanese snowbell (Styrax japonicus) in Horizon View Park on Saturday, April 15, 2023. 

The Japanese snowbell grows to 20-30 feet tall. Its lightly scented white flowers bloom in May and June. 

Horizon View Park is located at 19800 47th Ave NE. The tree will be planted at a spot just west of the parking lot where two trails intersect.

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The cherry trees at the UW are in full bloom right now

 

Photo by Wayne Pridemore

The cherry trees in the UW Quad are really quite spectacular. They rival the more famous trees in the "other Washington."

It's an immersive experience. And look at the size of the trunks. Those trees are 90 years old.

The Quad’s signature Yoshino cherry trees are nearly 90 years old and were originally set in a grove at the Washington Park Arboretum. In late 1964, the University transplanted the trees to their current spot, bringing thousands of visitors to campus each spring to witness their rosy bloom. 

And they have their own webpage

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Cherry blossoms in bloom at UW

 

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

An artist paints the cherry trees in the quad at the University of Washington, while students go about their business amid the beauty of the blossoming trees, brick path, and beautiful buildings.

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Lone tree at Richmond Beach

 

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

This beautiful tree stands alone at the top of the bluff - I believe it's on the upper trail.

I have heard hints that there's a history to this tree. Does anyone know?

Email me: Editor@ShorelineAreaNews.com or comment.

--Diane Hettrick

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Poetry: Climbing the Tree of Life

Climbing the Tree of Life

Climbing from the ground and limb to limb

We see the tree is a lot like you and me.

It grows and shows a life within,

Sequoia in LFP
Photo by Vicki Westberg

A living thing that will pass in time,

But now gives a wider, taller view

As you get higher on its living ladder.

Acorns, cones, fruit or flowers will be found

In these fine bowers skyward bound.

You behold early on, a child’s swing,

Birds on the nest or on the wing.

Sustained by surroundings and giving back

You encounter many a living thing.

Branch to branch brushing as you pass through

The leaves, the needles scratching, fondling you.

Come the sleet, the heat, the snow, the rain

Hear the wind now gain in strength,

At length the whispers, squeaks, creaks and groans

Of skin to bark and wood to bones.

‘till you reach the top and behold the view!

To the eye now all is new!

Growth is important, some losing, some winning

Until we reach the final inning.

Seeing far out and a long way down

From the start of life to the final round.

But is this the end of a beautiful trip?

Or is it the start of a new beginning?

Vicki Westberg

Mar. 19, 2023

3-26-2023 revisions

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Provide input on the Shoreline’s Urban Forest Strategic Plan and Forest Management Plan

The City of Shoreline is in the process of updating its Urban Forest Strategic Plan and the Green Shoreline 20-Year Forest Management Plan and we want to hear from you. 

Both plans provide guidance for the City’s Urban Forestry program. We want to hear from you as we work to improve the forestry and environmental health of our public lands. This includes the parks and open spaces managed by the City. 

Visit the Urban Forest Strategic Plan webpage and fill out a short questionnaire on our urban forest restoration, maintenance, and tree planting efforts.

We will also host a public open house on April 13, 2023 from 7:00 to 9:00pm where you can find out more about the plans and provide input. You can attend the open house in person at Shoreline City Hall or you can attend via Zoom (Zoom link).

We last updated the Urban Forest Strategic Plan in 2014. This plan provides a broad, strategic overview of the goals for public land and park-related forestry issues within the city. 

The 20-Year Forest Management Plan is a companion piece that provides guidance for tree planting and open space restoration efforts on City-owned Park land.

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Provide input on the City of Shoreline’s Urban Forest Strategic Plan and Forest Management Plan

The City of Shoreline is in the process of updating its Urban Forest Strategic Plan and the Green Shoreline 20-Year Forest Management Plan and we want to hear from residents.

Both plans provide guidance for the City’s Urban Forestry program.

We want to hear from residents as we work to improve the forestry and environmental health of our public lands. This includes the parks and open spaces managed by the City.

Visit the Urban Forest Strategic Plan webpage and fill out a short questionnaire on our urban forest restoration, maintenance, and tree planting efforts.

We will also host a public open house on April 13, 2023 from 7:00 to 9:00pm where you can find out more about the plans and provide input. You can attend the open house in person at Shoreline City Hall or you can attend via Zoom (Zoom link).

We last updated the Urban Forest Strategic Plan in 2014. This plan provides a broad, strategic overview of the goals for public land and park-related forestry issues within the city. The 20-Year Forest Management Plan is a companion piece that provides guidance for tree planting and open space restoration efforts on City-owned Park land.

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City of Shoreline accepting applications for Parks and Tree Board - February 10th deadline

Brugger's Bog photo by Lien Titus

Apply to join the PRCS Board! 

The City of Shoreline is now accepting applications for four volunteers to serve on the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree (PRCS/Tree) Board. 

Three vacancies are for full four-year terms, and one vacancy will be completing a term ending in March 2025. 

The new term will begin with the April 27th meeting.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services/Tree Board (PRCS/Tree Board) meets on the fourth Thursday of the month from 7pm to 9pm. January through October and the first Thursday of December.

The City Council appointed PRCS/Tree Board members must live, work, or own property in Shoreline. Per a recently adopted ordinance, Board members will be compensated at a rate of $50 per meeting.

Those interested in being considered must complete a Shoreline Community Services Application. Completed applications must be received by the City Clerk’s office no later than 5:00pm on February 10, 2023.

Diverse candidates encouraged to apply!

Update: added meeting time and date information

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Presentation on Miyawaki Urban Forests at online meeting of Environmental Rotary Club of Puget Sound

Photo by Dino Kužnik, Danehy Park Forest

Community members Sally Yamasaki and Sarah Phillips will be making a presentation on Miyawaki Urban Forests, a concept being explored at the Shoreline Historical Museum. 

Join them at the Environmental Rotary Club of Puget Sound's meeting on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 12:30pm over Zoom.

 

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Canopy Cat Rescue is still on the job

Felix was 12 days in a tree 
See the YouTube video of the rescue

By Diane Hettrick

The arborists / cat rescuers of Canopy Cat Rescue (CCR) are my heroes. They travel Puget Sound from Bellingham to Olympia getting cats out of trees. I think I have the distinction of having owned the only cat in the known universe who knew how to climb down a tree. The rest are great at climbing up, particularly when they are being chased by a coyote, but can't get back down.

The CCR guys climb 100' trees to coax kitties into nets to take them safely to their owners on the ground. And they only ask for donations!

They just published an Ask with the one year anniversary of their Mewsletter:

"Tis the season for our one year anniversary of our CCR "Mews" AND for giving so that CCR can help rescue more cats who need us in the coming years.

"In this edition, with our #KittyStarofCCR Omar prominently featured... in a bread basket no less (his merch will be launching soon!) - you'll read about Felix, the sweetest grey kitty with his moon eyes who was adopted because of a professional business pitch, survived a house fire and then went missing 13 days in a tree with the family giving up all hope... until CCR saved the day!

"(spoiler alpurrt) Plus our partnership with Your Cat Backpack by Travel Cat and upcoming event on Dec 28!

"You can read the "mews" with this link - https://files.constantcontact.com/.../3718d524-140c-4b6f...

"We have so many big plans for CCR to expand our reach to be able save cats in other areas. We need to train new climbers with extensive knowledge of cat behavior and we can do that in the future with your help!

"We want to assist as many families and kitties like Felix' that we can, which is why we humbly ask you to consider making a tax-deductible donation this holiday by December 31st.

"You can do this in many ways - visit our website and donate here - https://www.canopycatrescue.com/donate-.html , our Venmo @canopycatrescur, create a Facebook or Instagram campaign and outreach to your kitty loving network (it's SO easy), become a monthly supporter, make a planned gift or a gift of stock... or just share our organization with your friends and family!

 
"No matter which way you decide to give, it makes a HUGE difference for us and cats who need our help, both kitties with families and stray kitties. Last year we rescued around 720 cat and this year over 800. So we definitely need your help so we can keep growing! You helped us do this!

 
"Thank you so much for believing in what we do, and for your unwavering support. All of us and the kitties we save wish you a very meowy holiday with lots of purrs and chin scratches! If you need assistance making a donation, please reach out to erin@canopycatrescue.com

" #canopycatrescue "

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Photo:Poem - Christmas Tree

Boeing Creek Park photo by Tom Wear

Christmas Tree

See the meaning in the seed

Recipe awaiting life and growth

Its story waiting to be told.

Hear the whisper speaking truth.

See the quiet dance of fingers.

It is so graceful to behold.

Feel the fresh against your touch,

Breathe the scent and fill your lungs,

Calm the noise of daylong stress.

Evergreens mean so much, no wonder

We cherish and remember

There in the dark of winter night.

An evergreen tree is ours to ponder.

It leaves room for hope to grow

All year long. And in December

We love it, light it tenderly

And hang our cherished memories.

As it bathes us in it’s glow.

Dec. 9, 2022 Vicki Westberg

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Spree Tree sale continues Saturday and Sunday

The Shorecrest PTSA Spree Tree sale continues Saturday and Sunday in the Windermere parking lot at Town Center on the Ballinger Way side.

Trees, wreaths, and swag sales will benefit the graduating senior class with a safe and sane year end party.

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Green Spaces: Darnell Park

 

Photo by Katie McGowan

Snowberry and a pine, beautiful late fall at Darnell Park.

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