Washington State Urban and Community Forestry Program
“To exist as a nation, to prosper as a state, and to live as a people, we must have trees.”
~Theodore Roosevelt (1868-1919), 26th president of the United States
Did you know you live in a forest? The trees lining our streets and roads, in our parks and yards, on both public and private property, are part of the community forest. The forest is all around us. Like any other forest they support wildlife, clean the air, add remarkable beauty, and contribute to our quality of life.
As a firm advocate for the investment in community trees and forests, the Washington State Urban and Community Forestry Program invites you to explore the pages of this website. You will discover information, resources and connections to help you create and care for your community forest so it continues to thrive and provide benefits for current and future generations.
Trees provide benefits!
• Economic – healthy, well-maintained trees increase property values, reduce heating and cooling costs
• Environmental – trees filter particulates from the air, offset greenhouse gas emissions, reduce storm water run-off
• Social – there is less crime and violence in areas with trees and green public spaces
• Aesthetic - Trees soften and complement architecture
Calculate the benefits your tree(s) provide by visiting the National Tree Benefit Calculator
Note: You need to know the type of tree and its diameter (the width of the trunk at about 4 ½ feet above the ground).
Trees need support!
| Concerned citizen, Civic leader | Contact your local community forestry department to see how you can get involved. No local community forestry program? Help start one! Call 360-902-TREE or email urban_forestry@dnr.wa.gov for more information |
| Elected officials | Check local tree ordinance language to find out how trees are cared for and managed in your community. No ordinance? The UCF can help. Call 360-902-TREE or email urban_forestry@dnr.wa.gov for more information |
Municipal directors, Planning professionals | Find out how you can work with trees to benefit your programs. |
| Educators | Check out the Arbor Day Foundation website a great resource for tree education curriculum and activities http://www.arborday.org/ ; call WA UCF: 360-902-TREE or email urban_forestry@dnr.wa.gov for more information about the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest. |
The Washington Community Forestry Council advises the Department of Natural Resources on policies and programs related to community and urban forestry.
For more information or to volunteer for the Council, visit their webpage.2010 Arbor Day Poster Contest - "Trees are Terrific...and Energy Wise"
The 2010 Arbor Day Poster Contest is now accepting entries. The deadline for entries is March 5, 2010 by 4:30 p.m.
Click here to find out more about this annual poster contest sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation.
New Tree Protection Guidebook Available
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) are pleased to announce the availability of a new publication, Tree Protection on Construction and Development Sites: A Best Management Practices Guidebook for the Pacific Northwest. The guidebook was produced by Oregon State University Extension with grant assistance from the USDA Forest Service. It is modeled after a similar publication developed by the City of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This guidebook is part of an effort by DNR and ODF to address the effects of forest fragmentation. The guidebook is suitable for anyone involved in the land development process at any level. You can obtain a free copy of this new publication by sending an email to urban_forestry@dnr.wa.gov or calling (800) 523-8733.
Tree Link Bulletin
Tree Link is here – and it’s now electronic. Click here to see the January 2010 issue of the Tree Link News Bulletin.
Make sure you receive future issues, by sending your e-mail address to urban.forestry@dnr.wa.gov; specify in the subject line “Tree Link”
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