www.saveshorelinetrees.com info@saveshorelinetrees.com

Save Shoreline Trees booth at the
Shoreline Farmers Market

The Market begins on Saturday, June 3 and continues every Saturday through October 7.
Market hours: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Shoreline Park & Ride lot
18821 Aurora Ave N at 192th St. N.
Convenient parking is adjacent to the Market.

We look forward to seeing you at the Market!

Melody Fosmore, Co-Chair of SST,
says Good Bye and Thank You!

This morning I walked in the woods at Boeing Creek Park. I have been walking in these woods for almost forty years, with three different dog companions, when I was pregnant with my third son and exploring the woods with my grandchildren. I have walked in all the seasons – Spring being my favorite – although the quiet hush of snow falling is a close second. I have seen all the wildlife and birds move through their cycles of life and even though I can hear the road noise while I walk, I can hear the quiet of the forest more, with birds breaking in with their busy songs. The Japanese have a term for walking in the forest called ‘forest bathing’ which is what it feels like. I always come out of the woods refreshed.

The trees of the Boeing Park woods have taught me a lot. They are steadfast with incredible resiliency. They bend when they need to, and they work together to survive the elements. They succumb to the end of their lives gracefully or forcefully - but they don’t give up easily. It takes a long time for a tree to die. There are 200+ year old trees in Boeing Creek and a wide range of species. We are very fortunate to have Shoreview Park, South Woods Park and Hamlin Park forests to walk in and have a place for respite – but we must work to preserve and protect them.

My love of trees is why I first stood up to fight for the WSDOT/Dayton trees project and in the end, we did save 94 trees. When I started Save Shoreline Trees I had heart knowledge but not a lot of education about why trees are important to us – how they filter stormwater that affects our sea life, and provide so much housing for our birds and native wildlife – all who share in an eco-system that we are a part of. I didn’t understand how much the trees prevent heat islands, offer shade, block noise and wind; provide oxygen and sequester carbon 24/7 all year long, just for us.
Our trees are a gift to each of us.

Our work of saving trees is not over. Yes, development will continue and we cannot save all the trees in the way of new construction but we can help educate the citizens of Shoreline about the importance and value of trees. As individuals, we can remove invasive ivy from the base of our trees – wherever we see it happening. We can help preserve paths in the parks by not allowing our dogs to run loose which can harm or kill our native underbrush, making room for more invasive plants that will in turn harm our trees. We can continue to speak for the trees at Council meetings through an email or a public comment. WE HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE by speaking for the trees. The SST Board sets the table for all of us by vetting the information, but it’s up to us to follow through.

I learned how important it is to have a voice in one’s local government. If citizens don’t show up, then decisions are made for them. It’s easier to grumble about how things aren’t being run correctly, however if a small group of people stand up and speak up together, there is magic. It strengthens one’s character to source and vet one’s thoughts rather than spouting opinions. Like the trees, I have learned the lessons of being steadfast and resilient. Learning from others and finding ways to positively influence have been huge gifts to me. I count my time with Save Shoreline Trees supporters and leaders as one of the best times in my life.

When we started in November 2019 there were some remarkable people who stepped up to help guide us and we found we were standing on the shoulders of several residents who are still fighting for our trees and environment. With the news this week that the world may exceed the critical 1.5c mark in global warming in just 5 short years, working to save our existing trees and urban forests will be even more critical. I strongly encourage any of you reading this to step up and get ready to take up the banner of saving trees. The current board of Save Shoreline Trees will be continuing the work of speaking for the trees and your added voice remains the foundation of any success we have enjoyed.

I wish you all the best and thanking you with much gratitude in my heart. ~ Melody

Housing Bills Pass the 2023
Washington Legislature

Housing Bill HB 1110, the middle housing bill, was signed by Gov. Inslee in May, and incorporates numerous state regulations pertaining to housing, including the permitting of additional building styles on traditional single-family residential zones. Single family houses can still be built in residential zones, but cities must also allow six of nine housing types including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, fiveplexes, sixplexes, courtyard apartments, townhouses, stacked flats and cottage housing. The residential zone covers approximately 80% of Shoreline. (Zoning map) City Council is currently reviewing proposed cottage housing regulations to be built in residential zones, and middle housing is under review. Council does not expect more than 4 or 5 cottage housing developments due to lot size constraints and availability of lots. HB 1110 takes effect in Shoreline in mid-2025 but Council may approve cottage housing and middle housing prior to 2025.

HB 1337 expanding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) was also approved by legislature. ADUs are currently allowed in Shoreline and HB 1337 provides more opportunities for ADUs which can be counted toward state mandated density requirements. 

HB 1245 Lot Splitting, and Senate Bill 5466 
Transit-oriented development (TOD) did not pass in 2023, but will be re-introduced in the 2024 legislative session.

Models and regulation codes are currently being developed by the state. Cities must implement the state approved housing bills six months following their Comprehensive Plan update. Shoreline expects to implement these new housing regulations by mid-2025. 

Individual cities’ municipal codes will manage set-backs, lot coverage, stormwater, clearing, and tree code and tree retention. Currently per Shoreline’s existing tree code, with a clearing and development permit, a minimum of 75% of the significant trees (6” DBH and larger) can be removed on residential properties. City Council will continue discussing residential/cottage/middle housing regulations and tree code on June 5. Save Shoreline Trees supports 35% significant tree retention (instead of 25%) and protection of trees 24” DBH and larger, including fee in lieu if trees larger than 24” DBH are removed.

“Cascade Gardener” Webinars

Through my subscription to “Sustainable Shoreline” at webmaster@shorelinewa.gov, I attended two FREE webinars on Feb. 21 and 23, 2023, with presenter, Jessi Bloom, an ISA Certified Arborist and owner/designer of NW Bloom Ecological Services based in Woodinville, WA. The sponsor, Cascade Water Alliance was represented by Shaila Cook who led them.

Part 1: Stewarding a Forest Garden – Pacific Northwest Trees started with a review of all the benefits of trees that contribute to positive health impacts on humans, and then chose from our native Pacific Northwest trees (1) Douglas Fir, (2) Western Red Cedar and (3) Western Hemlock to learn how to identify them.  I learned that around June is the new growth period and a good time to assess the health of a tree by looking at its root zone compaction, mushroom presence, structural integrity, age, wounding, and vigor.  Jessi Bloom gave resources for further reading and learning, and recommended Pojar’s “Revised Plants of the PNW Coast”; Treesaregood.org; Arbor Day Foundation; university extensions; PlantAmnesty.org; and CityFruit.org).

Part 2: Designing the Forest Garden – A forest garden is a type of garden with emphasis on PNW natives which requires the lowest maintenance.  Once site assessment, namely hydrology, topography, tree shading, etc. is done, you can plan layers or a community for the understory of a conifer, for example.  Jessi Bloom recommended “plants for a future” at www.pfaf.org for further information and instructions.

One interesting, not surprising to many of us, update about the health of our trees is that PNW trees are experiencing and showing signs of stress from extreme climate events.  In the effort to plant more trees, arborists and nurseries are looking at the geographical range of conifers species to find those that are more drought and wind resistant.  They include Incense Cedar, California Redwood (provided you have lots of land), Shore Pine, a native, and vine maple.  By introducing PNW alternatives, our tree canopy can continue and flourish over time.

There was a lot of useful information in these two webinars and recordings of them were emailed to participants for references.  I recommend looking into these Cascade Gardener series.

By Susanne Tsoming

Join the Save Shoreline Trees email group
and get a free “Save Shoreline Trees” ground sign.
Please forward this message to a tree friend!

City Info + Contact List

Questions About Tree Code and Development

Call “Planner of the Day” at 206.801.2500 with tree code questions.

The Planning and Community Development Department must be contacted at 206.801.2500 regarding the following:

• Critical areas or buffers: trees near streams, wetlands, or on a steep slope.

• Per Shoreline’s tree code, the removal of 3 trees, less than 24” DBH, is allowed every 36 months per first 7200 sf; and, 1 tree, less than 24” DBH, each additional 7200 sf. These are exempt trees and do not require tree replacements. Trees greater than 24” DBH require a permit for removal. Permits are $239.

• Right-of-Way (ROW)/street trees are protected. The right-of-way extends beyond the paved road.

Fines for removal of trees without a permit

Failure to obtain proper permits for tree removal may result in a fine for each tree removed. Please contact Planning and Community Development prior to any tree removal or pruning activity to verify requirements. 

QUESTIONS
Questions or comments may be emailed to
info@saveshorelinetrees.com