2022/02/09 Council Agenda Packet

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS' - OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY Amend the Natural Environment Chapter of the General Policy Plan to add a new section with narrative, a new goal, objectives, and policies. Urban Tree Canopy Trees and tree canopy are necessary for cultural, historic, and ecosystem services and are a significant part of life in the Pacific Northwest. There is a need for a holistic framework that promotes efficient land use to accommodate growth and ensure the region is a healthy, attractive place to live as Snohomish County grows with the projected addition to the Urban Growth Area of almost 226,680 residents and 127,640 jobs over the next fourteen years. The question of how to maintain an urban tree canopy while maximizing housing affordability and economic development is an increasingly important issue but finding a balance is possible. The following goals and objectives address the challenge of how to balance the need to plan for growth and development while maintaining livability and a holistic approach for a healthy tree canopy in urban areas. Promoting a shared approach to retaining or replanting trees would result in equitable access to trees, resulting in comprehensive public health and aesthetic benefits; widespread ecological benefits including air quality, water quality, wildlife habitat, and reduction of the urban heat island effect. Additionally, a universal and predictable approach to tree retention can potentially streamline planning and construction costs and timeline. Urban forests and tree canopy are necessary for healthy communities and sustainable communities. Responding to the climate change crisis requires doing more than just protecting forested areas in regulated critical areas and buffers. Forests outside of protected areas provide important environmental and economic benefits, such as wildlife habitat and reduction in stormwater flooding. Tree canopy in less natural settings is also important. Trees along streets and in landscaping still capture carbon, increase neighborhood desirability, reduce heat impacts and provide important habitat. Snohomish County needs both the diversity naturally found in forests and the benefits of intentionally planted trees in the urban environment. A holistic framework for tree canopy is also vital to public health and meets the County's goals for equity. Lower income neighborhoods and neighborhoods adjacent to industrial areas often have less of the tree canopy compared to other neighborhoods. The current tree canopy patterns are the result of government actions, such as segregation and