2021-03-04 Tree Board MinutespF E D4,
Edmonds Citizens' Tree Board
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APPROVED MEETING NOTES 4,gqo
March 4, 2021
The Edmonds Citizens' Tree Board Meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Co -Chair Frank Caruso via Zoom
meeting.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
STAFF PRESENT
Barbara Chase, Co -Chair
Kernen Lien, Environmental Programs Manager
Frank Caruso, Co -Chair
Angie Feser, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Director
Brian Doyle
Doug Petersen
Bill Phipps
Suzanne Juer ensen
Donna Murphy
Ross Dimmick (Alternate)
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:
ELECTED OFFICIAL PRESENT
Diane Buckshnis, Laura Johnson, City Council
ELECTED OFFICIAL ABSENT
CALL TO ORDER:
Frank Caruso called the meeting to order, reading the Land Acknowledgement Statement.
ROLL CALL:
All Board members were present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Agenda approved unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Meeting Notes from February 2021 were approved.
AUDIENCE COMMENTS:
No audience comments.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. Forterra presentation (Joanna Nelson de Flores). Joanna presented to us a couple of months ago, so this is not a
formal presentation; she's here to answer questions, particularly about the Green City Partnerships program. The
program is focused on restoring forested parks and natural areas, although it recently expanded to other canopy
enhancement projects (e.g., removal of invasives, public education on tree care). Suzanne Juergensen noted that
the Tree Board is looking at increasing canopy and setting up a tree bank, possibly involving a land trust and
additional street trees, and also education. What ways could Forterra work with us? Joanna responded that
Forterra has a real estate side, which started as a traditional land trust. They still do land acquisitions, also,
conserving lands for affordable housing. They have a restoration stewardship team: riparian restoration, floodplain
reconnection, and salmon habitat. For Green City Partnerships, there are two elements: park restoration and
urban forestry (organizing tree planting events and tree giveaways, and providing education, including tree walks).
Forterra is looking to add a policy assistance part, in response to demand, for development and implementation of
tree codes for urban forest retention. Joanna offered to connect City representatives with individuals in any of
these categories. Chase asked are we doing anything to save trees in Perrinville? Councilmember Buckshnis
asked does Forterra buy land to keep in a land trust? Joanna responded that Forterra works with cities to buy
back land from Forterra; Forterra holds the land but is not looking to add more urban land to its trust. Specific
properties are case -by -case. Joanna stated that this is not in her field of expertise. Buckshnis brought up the
former Wayne Golf Course in Bothell as an example—Forterra bought the property and the city bought it back
from Forterra. Tree bank —Joanna says cities looking at fee in lieu. Still working on implementation. Bill Phipps
asked if Forterra currently has a tree bank to do carbon offsets. Joanna responded that they do not. They are
doing some related projects for individuals and companies —for example, city forest credits —using the carbon
market for restoration, but currently have no tree bank. Juergensen suggested we come up with list of ideas on
how we could work with Forterra. We need Phase II of the tree code first. Joanna asked why we seemed to have
no interest in Green City Partnerships. Buckshnis said Green Cities is mostly about parks, which are not really the
need in Edmonds since we have other programs for parks and lots of things (Covid, tree code) are going on right
now. Angie Feser mentioned that the Parks Department is looking at land acquisition and might want to work with
Forterra. Joanna mentioned than an Edmonds resident, Joe Sambataro, is with Forterra and handles that kind of
thing. Feser will check with Sambataro directly.
b. Status of the Tree Code. Kernen Lien —development moratorium has been extended to March 24. At the latest
City Council meeting, the Tree Code was adopted so an emergency ordinance barring removal of >24" trees on
all property could be passed. City Council continues its review —more amendments are anticipated. Phase II was
discussed, relating to tree removal and retention on all properties. Council budgeted $25,000 for LIDAR canopy
assessment. This should be more accurate than the canopy assessment cited in the UFMP. Looking to do this
summer. No RFQ yet. City will send a postcard to every property as notification for the new 24" tree ordinance.
Buckshnis: Will the postcard state exception for hazard or nuisance trees? Lien: The postcard will state that
hazard trees can still be removed in addition to trees that are part of a reviewed development.
c. Publications Center. Donna Murphy —regarding last month's item on a Little Library at one of the parks, she's
looking at involving Scouts. Feser volunteered to coordinate with Scouts since they are involved in other park
projects.
d. Tree planting trial area in area near Shell Creek. Looking at trying out different trees.
e. Earth Day activity (April 24). Chase —Jennifer Leach is organizing work parties with the following duties: plant 100
cedars near Yost Park; pull blackberry at north edge of Edmonds Marsh; and beach cleanup at Brackett's Landing
and Marina Beach. Tree Board members will check in volunteers at Yost and Marsh.
f. Tree planting opportunities, including the Edmonds School District. Chase —school property is available for
planting, but schools are concerned about maintenance. Maybe look long-term at likely spots. There is a good
location at Edmonds elementary, but no water available. If we have something in mind, maybe we can approach
schools. Some trees are easier than others to maintain. Installing irrigation is expensive.
g. City Council presentation. Murphy —have not received previous presentation to update. Lien will send. What do
we focus on? Will update and send to Tree Board for comment. Would like suggestions and photos from Tree
Board for inclusion in presentation. Presentation on April 6.
NEW BUSINESS:
• None
TREE BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS:
• Doug Petersen —What is the status of Shirley Johnson property? Feser—Shirley Johnson property, off Bowdoin
Way near Yost Park, is about 1 acre. She passed away at end of January. There is a possibility of a provision in
her will regarding the property. Process in ongoing. Johnson's attorney is keeping Feser informed. The property
has been secured by the attorney.
• Caruso —we got named Tree City U.S.A.
• Ross Dimmick—wildlife corridors and habitat mentioned in UFMP and at Council meeting regarding tree code.
What are the target species? Species that thrive in suburban environments often use human land modification
(e.g., lawns, gardens) to their advantage. Less ubiquitous species that might benefit from treed wildlife corridors
may have specific habitat requirements (that's often why they're not as successful in suburban environments).
Since these species, and their habitat preferences, are not mentioned in UFMP, we may plant or preserve trees
that will not serve the wildlife corridor purpose.
• Bill Phipps —got confirmation email from Lisa Dulude. Trying to get tree bank established in Snohomish County
for sustainable operations action plan and climate stewardship. She'll be at our next meeting to discuss.
• Murphy —working on tree bingo using theme of trees as a Pacific Northwest resource.
• Next Meeting: April 1, 2021.
ADJOURN:
The meeting was adjourned by Frank Caruso at 7:46 p.m.
Submitted by Ross Dimmick
March 21, 2021 (Revised April 1, 2021)