Tree Ordinance

Today is an Exciting, Amazing and Important day.
The work isn't finished, only begun.

The Seattle City Council passed an Interim Emergency Tree Ordinance. With a 8-1 vote. http://clerk.ci.seattle.wa.us/~scripts/nph-brs.exe?d=CBOR&s1=116404.cbn.&Sect6=HITOFF&l=20&p=1&u=/~public/cbor2.htm&r=1&f=G

This is only a beginning, a band aid in the big picture, but it is a step.
More than what was in the Seattle Codes, and a step in the right direction.
We applaud the Council for their decision, vote and work.

We also want to make note, that the Council is willing once the dollars are available to do a TREE INVENTORY for the City. This is also very important. We understand the current economical times may put this on the back burner, but we cannot, must not allow this to be forgotten.

The TREE INVENTORY is essential to understanding and moving ahead with a full and comprehensive plan to SAVE THE TREES in the Seattle City limits.

AS FOR INGRAHAM, Will the Interim Emergency Tree Ordinance be helpful? WE don't know.

On January 22 the DPD determined it would allow the removal of 72 of the Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar and Madrone trees in the Northwest Forest. This was not a surprise to the SAVE THE TREES-Seattle group. On February 5, 2009 4 appeals were filed to change this decision. On February 26th will be a pre-hearing with the City Hearing Examiner, and on April 1, is scheduled the Hearing with the City Hearing Examiner. The April 1 hearing is open to the Public. All tree hugger's are invited. (Neighborhood groups who have dealt with parking overflow, street narrowing, and other non-tree items are invited also).

The Hearing will be held at: Office of the Hearing Examiner,
Suite 4000, 700 Fifth Avenue (Seattle Municipal Tower, 40th Floor), Seattle Washington.

If you have a few extra dollars, Save The Trees-Seattle is raising funds for legal expenses (currently the funds go to the Ingraham Trees battle). It truly is a worthy cause, and unfortunately, the court system is still the most viable and fair system for saving trees. Our past expenses, and consultations are $4000, future legal expense will range into the $20,000 mark (this is the Ingraham bill only). Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Steve Zemke,
2131 N 132nd Street
Seattle WA 98133