Seattle, WA reLeaf Program
Type: Program
Status: Ongoing
Source File: http://www.seattle.gov/trees/
Description:
Taking care of our trees is good for our environment, our neighborhoods, and ourselves. Trees clean our air and water, reduce global warming pollution, provide habitat for wildlife, raise property values and offer green relief throughout our city. Seattle has lost more than half its tree canopy since the 1970’s. We can all help to “Keep the Emerald City Green.”
The City has increased its investments in tree care and planting, is looking at ways to improve regulations, and is spreading the word about the importance of trees and how to care for them.
Urban Forest Management Plan
Seattle’s Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) (5 MB*) is our first ever comprehensive plan for the urban forest. Our vision is to create a thriving and sustainable mix of tree species and ages that creates a contiguous and healthy ecosystem that is valued and cared for by the City and all of its citizens as an essential environmental, economic, and community asset. The UFMP is a 30-year plan which establishes a goal of 30% tree canopy cover and is intended to guide a broad range of short-, mid- and long-term actions that will achieve the vision and this goal. Short-term actions to be implemented within the next 5 years include:
- Improve maintenance of City-managed trees
- Increase tree planting
- Improve the City's internal communication and management structure regarding tree issues
- Increase community engagement in tree policy and planning
- Strengthen incentives and regulations for tree preservation and planting on private property
- Increase community outreach about the value of trees and proper tree selection, planting and care