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. Like any other forest they support wildlife, clean the air, add remarkable beauty, and contribute to our quality of life.
The forest all around us provides many benefits to create more livable communities:
- Economic
- Environmental
- Social
- Aesthetic
Those who can work together in support of their community's forest include:
- Concerned citizens
- Elected officials
- Municipal directors
- Educators
- Civic leaders
- Planning professionals
As a firm advocate for the investment in community trees and forests, the Washington State Community and Urban 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.
The Washington Community Forestry Council advises the Department of Natural Resources on policies and programs related to community and urban forestry. The Council's primary roles are:
- To provide leadership for the citizens of Washington
- Function as a clearinghouse of information
- Cultivate cooperative relationships within the field of urban forestry
- Advise the Legislature and the people of Washington on the best ways to preserve, protect, expand and improve Washington's communities and urban forests
The Council was formed in 1990 in response to the 1978 United States Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act. The Council's existence is a federal requirement in order to receive funding for the State's Community and Urban Forestry Program from the United States Forest Service.
For more information or to volunteer for the Washington Community Forestry Council, email us at: urban.forestry@dnr.wa.gov
Tree Link is now electronic! The WA U&CF Tree Link Bulletin is now being distributed electronically only. To continue to receive future issues of the Tree Link Bulletin, send your e-mail address(es) to: urban.forestry@dnr.wa.gov. Specify in the subject line "Tree Link." This is an ideal time to share Tree Link with others! The information in each month’s newsletter benefits a wide variety of professionals and community members interested in tree issues.