Advisory
Planning and Community Development
Steve Morse, Associate Planner
Phone: (206) 842-2552
| Members: |
|
| Bryan Baker, Co-Chair (term ends 1/31/2011) |
Francis Jacobson (term ends 7/31/2013) |
| Katy Bigelow, Co-Chair (term ends 1/31/2011) |
Jennie Sheldon (term ends 3/31/2011) |
| Bill Carlson (term ends 4/30/2012) |
Tamara Stone (term ends 4/30/2012) |
| Bob Cederwall (term ends 4/30/2011) |
Debbie Vann (term ends 7/31/2013) |
Meetings: Third Tuesday of every month, 4 pm, Council Conference Room, City Hall (unless otherwise noticed)
Browse the
calendar to find agendas and minutes.
The City of Bainbridge Island Community Forestry Commission was initiated in 2001 to steward the well-being of the Island's trees and forests. The Commission has drafted a Community Forest Management Plan in an effort to inventory resources and develop management strategies that complement the patterns of land use occurring in the community.
The Commission's purpose is to address strengthening policies for tree protection and management by providing advice and guidance in integrating forest protection measures.
Vision Statement
We are committed to sustaining and creating a community where trees, forests, and natural systems are an essential part of the Island where we live, work, play and learn.
How should the City manage it's trees? A draft of the Community Forest Management Plan is available for your review. Please use the link below to access the plan, or pick one up at city hall and give us your input or ideas on how the community can better manage it's most valued resource.
Urban Forestry
Bainbridge Island is defined by the forested nature of the community. Our history is intricately linked with the trees and forests of the Island and our future depends on them. A healthy urban forest and adequate tree cover provides a variety of benefits that offset the need for costly investment in facilities to manage stormwater, mitigate air and water pollution, and insulate against temperature extremes. In addition, creating a livable community, walkable neighborhoods, attractive street coridors, and a distinctive sense of place will depend on preservation of a healthy urban forest
Benefits of the Urban Forest
Trees improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide during the process of photosynthesis and produce as a by-product the oxygen we need to breathe. Tree leaves also absorb other pollutants and particulate matter from the air.
Trees can absorb and store a yearly average of 13 pounds of carbon each. A large, healthy tree can produce enough oxygen each day for 18 people.
Trees save energy by shading our homes and offices, streets, parking lots and other paved areas. Trees cool the air as their leaves evaporate water.
Trees reduce stormwater runoff by intercepting 7 to 22% of rainfall and releasing it slowly. This reduces runoff and cuts peak flow rates that cause flooding and burden stomwater systems.
One study has shown that for every tree, 2 cents in water control costs are save for every gallon of wate intercepted during a twelve-hour storm. In a medium-sized city, this equates to a 17% reduction of 11.3 million gallon, and a savings of $226,000.
Trees improve water quality and reduce soil erosion by holding the soil and decreasing the amount of sediment that enters streams and Puget Sound.
Trees provide wildlife food and habitat that is important to the survival of insects amphibians, birds, mammals and other wildlife.
Trees enhance the quality of life for our residents by creating an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable place to live.
Surveys show that three out of four consumers prefer to shop in places that are graced by trees and other forms of landscaping. One study showed that patrons of shops with extensive landscaping and tree cover spent 11 percent more than they would in an identical shop without attractive landscaping and trees.
Protect Trees During Construction -- Find Out How
Construction of new homes or buildings can damage trees if special care is not taken. Excavation often cuts tree roots resulting in eventual death of trees meant to be preserved. Even the storage of building materials or heavy equipment near a tree can kill it. The damage might not appear until after construction is complete and the new owner has moved into the structure. Every builder should know the easy and practical methods of saving trees on construction lots. Learn about protecting trees during construction.
What Homeowners Should Know
Properly planting and pruning trees can be excellent "preventive medicine" for reducing the occurrence of defective, high-risk trees. By planting and pruning properly early in a tree's life, you can prevent or correct many of the problems that cause trees to fail as they mature. Improper pruning techniques can worsen the problem, and may ultimately result in the formation of cracks, decay, cankers, or poor tree architecture that lead to very high risk situations. Learn about planting, pruning, and tree care:
Certified Arborists
A certified arborist is knowledgeable about the needs of trees, and is trained and equipped to provide proper care. Consider hiring an arborist to assess the health of your trees, to provide advise on hazard trees, to consult on construction plans and to assist with protection of trees during construction. If you plan to remove trees from your property, a certified arborist that is licensed and bonded is essential. Find a certified arborist in our area:
What Educators Can Do
Teachers and students can learn more about trees from Treelink.
