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urban renewal that still impact health and socioeconomic patterns. Local governments <br />are largely responsible for crafting their own policies and programs this had lead to an <br />uneven treatment of a natural resource that covers the region. Adopting these <br />standards can promote design flexibility while still working to preserve ecological value <br />and balance the need for growth and tree retention. <br />The tree canopy is diminishing. Complete data is hard to find. Although canopy Toss <br />may have slowed since Snohomish County adopted its first Growth Management Act <br />Comprehensive Plan (GMACP) in 1996, the rate of loss continues to be alarming. <br />Current policy and regulations may not be accomplishing their intended goals. The <br />environmental, health and safety values provided by a functional regional tree canopy <br />warrant higher protection than currently provided. <br />The Washington State Legislature first provided guidance for local jurisdictions by <br />adopting the Evergreen Communities Act (ECA) in 2008. In 2021, the legislature <br />substantially revised and updated the ECA which is now Chapter 76.15 RCW. The <br />Evergreen Communities Program found in the ECA includes standards to provide for <br />the conservation and long-term maintenance of the urban tree canopy. The Washington <br />State Department of Commerce provided <br />which seeks to assist jurisdictions across the state manage existing <br />urban forests and plan for improvements. As recognized at the state -level, forests <br />increase ecological, social, and economic value in urban areas. <br />In the 2024 Update to its GMACP, Snohomish County took the opportunity to consider <br />state guidance by reviewing existing and adopting new policies. Such policies will direct <br />future regulations and administrative rules to ensure the County's urban tree canopy <br />meets our current and Tong -term needs. <br />Goal NE 12 <br />Provide a healthy urban forest including tree canopy cover to <br />contribute to the economic vitality of the community, <br />increase environmental stability and resiliency, and promote <br />a better quality of life. <br />Objective NE 12.A Snohomish County will seek recognition as an Evergreen <br />Community under the Evergreen Communities Act (Chapter <br />76.15 RCW). <br />Policy NE 12.A.1 Snohomish County will identify and pass the necessary <br />ordinances or resolutions and take administrative actions to <br />