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
The purpose of the Washington Urban and Community Forestry program is to educate citizens and decision-makers about the economic, environmental, psychological, and aesthetic benefits of trees and to assist local governments, citizen groups, and volunteers in planting and sustaining healthy trees where people live and work in Washington.
Primary community forestry issues include local government impacts from the Endangered Species Act, urban-rural interface challenges, the need to develop comprehensive community forestry programs, growth management, and constraints caused by decreased funding sources for municipal services.
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. |
| Calling All Tree Managers! Community Tree Management Institute (CTMI) is calling for 2012 attendees. CTMI is an advanced training course for employees from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington cities who have tree related responsibilities. The 2012 sessions are being held in Vancouver Washington, Portland Oregon and online. Check out the Community Tree Management Institute (CTMI) 2012 Announcement for more details. |
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 | 2012 Tree City Applications Are Due When a community becomes a Tree City USA, it means more than being able to display a road sign or fly a flag. Tree City USA is a foundation for effective, well-organized tree care programs. Along with the community pride are practical benefits such as helping to gain financial support for tree projects, contributing to safer and healthier urban forests, and allowing municipal official to deliver better service to the voting public. DNR is accepting applications through the end of December. Find out how your city can become a Tree City! |
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 | Tree Link is here – and it’s now electronic. Click here to see the latest issue of the Tree Link News Newsletter. Want to subscribe to the online newsletter or update your current subscription click here. |
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STOP! Dont Top that Tree!
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is promoting an anti-tree topping campaign to increase public understanding of proper tree care. To find out more please see our Anti-Tree Topping Campaign. |
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 | The Washington Community Forestry Council advises the Department of Natural Resources on policies and programs related to community and urban forestry. |
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 | 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. |
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Federal Civil Rights
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, DNR does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. However, should a person wish to file a discrimination complaint, please write to:
USDA, Director
Office of Civil Rights
Room 326-W, Whitten Building
1400 Independence Avenue SW
Washington D.C. 20250-9410
or call 202.720.5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.