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EVERETT 2044 <br />COMPREHENSIVE PLAN <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 6/17/2025 <br />COMPREHENSIVE PLAN <br />URBAN FORM ELEMENT <br /> Page 19 <br />Natural environment <br />The City of Everett’s natural topography and water <br />features, along with the majestic mountain views in <br />all directions, contribute to its overall aesthetic <br />quality and desirability as a place to live, visit, <br />conduct business, and recreate. Many of the natural <br />areas are culturally significant to the Tulalip Tribes <br />and are protected by the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott. <br />Many components of Everett's natural environment <br />are integral ecosystems that are sensitive to the <br />impacts of urban development or pose hazards to <br />the community if developed. These resources are <br />defined as "critical areas", and are comprised of <br />aquatic features, geologic landforms, plants, and <br />animal life. <br />Ravines, bluffs, hillsides, and steeply sloping areas <br />are landforms that provide topographic variety and <br />create some spectacular views. These same wooded <br />steep slopes and ravines provide open space and <br />wildlife habitat. The plants and trees found in these <br />areas contribute to slope and soil stability and filter <br />pollutants from stormwater runoff. Riparian <br />corridors adjacent to streams provide shade, filter <br />sediment and pollutants, and provide nutrients. <br />These areas are habitat for riparian wildlife and <br />connect wildlife travel corridors linking isolated <br />patches of open space. <br />Everett waterways and stormwater make its way to <br />Lake Washington, Snohomish River, and Port <br />Gardner Bay. Protecting these important waters from <br />pollutants and ensuring that each of the streams and <br />groundwater going into them are protected is <br />important for the restoration of salmon and other <br />aquatic species restoration.