Tree Board

TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 1 CONVENE: 7:01 p.m. PRESENT: Chair Trent Grantham and Boardmembers Brent Chapman, Michael Jackson, Tanya Nozawa, Dennis Olson, and Jim Sedore. Excused absence: Boardmember Joel Hecker. Staff: Water Resources and Sustainability Director Dan Smith, Parks and Recreation Director Chuck Denney, Planning Manager Brad Medrud, Transportation Manager Mary Heather Ames, Parks and Facilities Manager Stan Osborn, and Sustainability Coordinator Alyssa Jones Wood. CHANGES TO There were no changes to the agenda. AGENDA: APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JOINT TREE BOARD AND PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 11, 2022: MOTION: Boardmember Sedore moved, seconded by Boardmember Olson, to approve the October 11, 2022 Joint Tree Board and Planning Commission meeting minutes as presented. A voice vote unanimously approved the motion. PUBLIC COMMENT: There were no public comments. TREE BOARD There were no reports. MEMBER REPORTS: COORDINATOR'S Coordinator Jones Wood reported on the recent meeting between staff REPORT: and the consultant selected to assist in the update of the landscape ordinance. The City mailed a postcard to more than 14,000 Tumwater addresses. The postcard was printed on 30% recycled content paper. The postcard invites the public to engage in the tree and vegetation preservation ordinance and other code updates. Information was included on the website link and the QR code to the Tumwater Tree City page for the three updates. Several community members have signed up to receive updates. No public comments have been submitted. Posters were printed on 100% recycled content paper. The posters will be displayed at various locations in the community. Thurston Regional Planning Council is scheduled to release a white TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 2 paper at the end of November on carbon sequestration. The paper is a work product as part of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan. Staff received a draft of the report. TRPC received many comments from staff from all the jurisdictions. The next meeting will include elections for Board officer positions. Manager Medrud shared information on the upcoming November 21, 2022 stakeholder community conversation as part of the update of the tree and vegetation preservation, and landscaping codes. Community members can attend either in-person or via zoom. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. The meeting will be an overview of the entire project. The second meeting is scheduled on Thursday, December 9 followed by a January 9, 2023 meeting. The last two sessions will focus on comments and issues generated from the first session. Commissioner Sedore asked about the protocol for Boardmembers to submit comments during the online public forum. Manager Medrud advised that the Board can submit comments. The community has been notified of the website and the opportunity to provide comments through the postcard mailing, Nextdoor, and the City’s Facebook page. DISCUSSION: URBAN FORESTRY Coordinator Jones Wood outlined the discussion format. Directors or MANAGEMENT PLAN representatives of the City’s Community Development, Parks and IMPLEMENTATION: Recreation, Transportation and Engineering, and Water Resources and Sustainability departments are available to review implementation of the Plan’s actions and answer questions. Staff members provided self- introduction. Coordinator Jones Wood reported on her meetings with each department to share information and learn about the status of actions scheduled from 2021 through 2024 in the Urban Forestry Management Plan. Approximately 49% of the actions are on track, 22% are delayed, 26% are scheduled to begin next year, and 3% are pending the receipt of grant funding. Chair Grantham suggested focusing the discussion on the challenges affecting delayed actions that are not dependent upon funding. Coordinator Jones Wood displayed and reviewed a spreadsheet of delayed actions:  Secure funding for a four-year cycle of tree trimming. Coordinator Jones Wood responded to questions about the proposed budget for the action. An inventory of trees on City TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 3 properties is needed to determine maintenance needs to assist in developing a budget proposal.  Establish new community and urban forestry maintenance enhancement funding sources. The action is funding-dependent and requires determining needs to develop a budget request.  Establish new community and urban forestry maintenance enhancement funding sources. Requires identification of the status to prepare a budget request.  Hire an urban forester, certified arborist, or urban ecologist on City staff or look to share that position with other jurisdictions or departments or as part of a wider City environmental manager position to manage the community and urban forest to assist in development review, respond to inquiries, and assess individual tree-health issues. The action was not included in the 2023-2024 City Budget and has been deferred to the City’s 2025-2026 budget. A City employee with the Parks and Recreation Department is a certified arborist with additional park employees seeking to become certified as well. Manager Osborn commented that Wayne Lobaugh has been with the City for many years and is a certified arborist. However, when any trees present a safety concern, the City typically contracts with Kevin McFarland from Sound Urban Forestry to complete an objective review of the tree’s condition. Prior to the recent windstorm, facilities staff toured trails and parks to identify potentially dangerous trees for follow-up action. Director Smith noted that another major challenge is the tremendous amount of leaves clogging storm drain systems throughout the City creating localized flooding on surface streets. Each year, the region experiences storms when leaves are changing during the fall. A component of the stormwater program is messaging the community on the “Rake a Drain” program encouraging residents to clear storm drains of leaves. Boardmember Chapman inquired as to whether the new position occupied by Coordinator Jones Wood was sufficient to achieve some of the strategies. Coordinator Jones Wood advised that more assistance would be necessary with more experience in urban forestry. Director Smith noted that the action is one of the most challenging to achieve because of staffing capacity in the Stormwater Utility and the lack of funding additional positions or programs and activities for tree management. A significant amount of funding for those types of programs is from the general fund, which is subject to competitive requests from other areas of the City. Establishment of Coordinator Jones Wood’s position was one step towards sustainability and forestry to assist in identifying different priorities to move forward. Beyond current TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 4 programs and volunteer efforts to plant and maintain plantings, the City needs to consider additional funding to support programs, such as riparian restoration. Coordinator Jones Wood added that the Transportation and Engineering Department has indicated interest in adding a certified arborist as one of the preferred qualifications for future openings to supplement educated and professional staff to work on forestry issues.  Develop incentives to promote tree retention, planting, and replanting. Adoption of multiple code revisions will assist in moving this strategy forward. Manager Medrud added that as part of the Climate Mitigation Plan, other options are under consideration in terms of how the City supports preservation of trees in rural areas.  Maintain the citywide street tree inventory data on an ongoing basis by using municipal tree asset management software such as Lucity, TreePlotter, or TreeWorks with the geographic information system (GIS). GIS staff is currently working on the Capital Facilities Plan (CFP). Following completion of the CFP, GIS staff capacity will become available to begin working on the strategy. GIS staff added 175 trees to the inventory this year. Chair Grantham asked whether the information was shared with the Watershed Group working on tree preservation. Coordinator Jones Wood advised that she shared information on street tree inventory GIS data since the addition of the 175 trees. Manager Medrud addressed a question on how the City tracks trees removed or added. Staff continues to work through a process assisted by a tree planting process of connections between staff to ensure the inventory is updated based on continuing changes. Currently, the City’s permit tracking software is unable to connect to the GIS system. The City is implementing a new system that will eventually provide expanded capacity to track and update the inventory. Coordinator Jones Wood was asked whether information on the removal of trees is currently collected by the City. The City can track tree removals through tree removal permits issued by the City. Manager Medrud added that the City has not established a program for tracking removal of trees, which is another component of the new software that will enable tracking of additions and removal of trees. Removal of trees at this time is difficult to compile. Manager Osborn noted that not many trees were removed last week because of the storm. Staff tracks all plantings and removals for obtaining permits or for documenting TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 5 conditions. The process of transferring all information to GIS has been difficult because of staffing capacity. Boardmember Chapman suggested the process might benefit from a grant through the Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forestry Program next year. Coordinator Jones Wood noted the City is also required as part of reporting to qualify as a Tree City USA to submit the number of trees removed and planted by the City each year.  Develop a stable funding source and budget for annual maintenance and selective harvest of trees within developed landscaped City property, such as City street trees and City facilities and parks.  Develop a stable funding source and budget for maintenance of natural forests on City lands such as critical or shoreline areas and their buffers and other such areas. Staff intends to request funding during the next budget cycle. Chair Grantham inquired about interest by the Council and the Mayor to include additional funds for maintenance and education. Coordinator Jones Wood advised that a request was submitted for $30,000 for each year of the next biennium. The budget request was reduced. Director Smith noted that there are always opportunities to include messaging into environmental outreach and education programs funded by the Stormwater Program through Stream Team and other avenues. Coordinator Jones Wood said the new stormwater permit for Western Washington includes a new section on tree retention and its importance for stormwater. Those efforts will eventually become a permit requirement. Boardmember Chapman commented on the importance of tracking history on previous efforts and prior requests and including it within the documentation to create an historical record of actions to assist in achieving the desired goals.  Look for opportunities to build on and expand existing City educational outreach programs to increase the understanding of the value of the community and urban forest, as well as the responsibilities of the public and private landowners regarding its planting, maintenance, thinning, and harvest. The strategy has been moved to 2025 because of the lack of staff capacity. The Board is scheduled to review next year’s work program and can recommend adjustments to the program.  Develop education and incentive programs focused on maintaining the community and urban forest found on TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 6 private property. The strategy is delayed because of the lack of staff capacity. Chair Grantham offered that the strategy could be supported through the annual tree giveaway during the Arbor Day event or through information currently disseminated to the public.  Support and incentivize the use of large-canopy trees in appropriate areas to provide maximum benefits. Chair Grantham suggested the action would be appropriate to include in the amendments to the ordinance. He recently completed a project for the City of Port Orchard, which requires a certain number of large, medium, and small trees within parking lots. It is often more advantageous to include the requirements within the codes. Manager Medrud affirmed that the strategy would be a component of the landscaping code discussions. Staff is also considering a canopy approach to tree preservation and ways to maximize canopies throughout the City. Coordinator Jones Wood said she would update the strategy to reflect activities beginning in 2023.  Coordinate with the Fire Department on actions to minimize fire risks associated with urban forestry. The strategy has been delayed pending completion of the new Hazard Mitigation Plan. Manager Medrud said work on the plan began earlier in the year with the final version scheduled for completion by next summer. There has been interest in adding a component that speaks to community fire risk Chair Grantham asked whether the action could be included in the code, as well as in terms of mitigating fire hazards. Manager Medrud replied that minimizing fire risks would likely be addressed as part of the City’s codes pertaining to maintenance of properties. He offered to review the code to determine if language could be strengthened.  Remove trees and understory in specific situations identified in the Tumwater Annex to the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Thurston Region to guard against wildfire. Chair Grantham asked whether the City has encountered any problems with fire caused by homeless encampments in the City. Manager Osborn advised that the City has not experienced any fire incidents; however, during tree trimming or removal, trees are chipped and the material is hauled to vegetation disposal sites. Typically, homeless encampments do not have fires outside during the evening, as it would identify the location of the encampment. Director Smith noted that the City recently experienced a fire on public property at a wellfield adjacent to wetlands caused by several encampments. The fire destroyed a 200 square-foot structure. The incident resulted in no injuries requiring medical treatment. The Fire Department was challenged in terms of accessing the site to address the fire. It speaks to the challenges TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 7 many unhoused individuals are facing in the community. Many of the City’s greenbelts are areas of preservation for water that can be threatened when exposed to those types of activities.  Develop a program to work with public and private property owners in maintaining and providing for public safety with the community and urban forest. The strategy has been moved to 2025 with Community Development serving as the lead.  Use a citywide work order system that enters all street tree work automatically as performed to assure quality data through consistent data collection methods and ensure an accurate progressive tree inventory. The strategy was previously discussed with respect to GIS staffing capacity. Chair Grantham asked about the potential of tracking data other than through GIS. Manager Ames advised that the advantage of utilizing GIS is the visual nature of information. While some data is available and not included in the GIS system, adding data to GIS for mapping enhances the ease of viewing the information and ties the information together for ease of tracking and cross- referencing with other data points. Boardmember Sedore asked whether the National Arbor Day Foundation or Washington Department of Natural Resources has information about what systems local municipalities are using to track information. It is likely annual conferences hosted by those entities include those topics because all cities are encountering similar issues. He suggested following up with the industry to learn about different processes rather than creating a new tracking system. Boardmember Sedore supported the recommendation to track all funding requests and activities associated with each of the strategies because tracking can identify expectations for next steps. Boardmember Chapman questioned whether delayed strategies have an assigned priority because it appears priority 3 is missing. Coordinator Jones Wood noted that because of the volume of priority 1 strategies it is likely no other priorities exist. Coordinator Jones Wood reviewed questions provided previously by the Board for responses by staff members: 1. For the priority Urban Forestry Management Plan goals and objectives identified in the next two years, what does your department see as the easiest to achieve and the most challenging and why? Director Smith emphasized that the most challenging aspect is the addition of staff. High-level goals TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 8 consist of 22 pages of actions for implementation. Having dedicated and a sustained funding source is necessary to add staff. Developing relationships with community organizations, businesses, and with volunteers with local expertise could provide some support to the City. The Transportation and Engineering teams have hired an intern to assist with some inventorying and GIS data entry. There are some strategies to explore; however, to achieve some progress on the strategies it will require a dedicated and sustainable funding strategy. Manager Medrud added that code and regulation amendments would also contribute to achieving some of the strategies. Achievement of some of the strategies will involve a transition period, as infrastructure issues require efforts over an extended period. Manager Ames reported that from a transportation and engineering perspective, staff considered the aspect of being stewards and connecting with protection and preservation elements in addition to maintenance of existing facilities. Boardmember Chapman inquired as to the reception by staff of the strategies outlined in the Urban Forestry Management Plan, as many will be responsible for implementing most of the measures. Manager Medrud said permitting staff support the plan, as they are aware of issues that should be addressed through the regulation update process while also desiring a better way of administering tree removal whereby all parties understand the process. Manager Osborn advised that parks maintenance staff is excited about having some defined parameters for completing work. The City not only has park properties to maintain, the City has wetlands, mitigation areas, trails, and other areas with trees to maintain. The program is an opportunity to address some of the issues and to gain more assistance through additional staffing to assist in completing the work. Director Smith echoed similar sentiments as many of the goals and strategies in the plan are supported by staff because they represent the potential of the value that they contribute to the preservation of trees in the community while recognizing the challenges of integrating actions within work plans. 2. What are locations of good examples of trees planting by Tumwater five years ago, 10 years ago, and 20 years ago? Manager Ames cited a project occurring less than five years ago involving the Israel Road/Tyee Drive area, a 10-year project TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 9 involving the Littlerock Road improvement project, and Tumwater Boulevard improvements 20 years ago as good examples of tree plantings. Director Smith referred to the Sapp Road Park as a project occurring 20 years ago. The park has hosted Stream Team projects and Water Resources projects to restore riparian areas and wetlands. The property was previously used to raise cattle. It was one of his first projects after joining the City. Trees on the property were planted over the last 20 years. Boardmember Chapman said it appears the City’s tree planting program is performing well; however, he has noticed the loss of understory shrubs, groundcovers, and perennials along streets. Coordinator Jones Wood noted that she is unsure whether funding from the Tree Fund can be used to plant understory species. Boardmember Sedore cited a path near the development of the Toyota Dealership with trees and understory. The path is used widely by the community and although the trees are performing well, understory plants have tended to transition to native plants. 3. In your opinion what are the best species of trees for street trees and what are the worst? Manager Ames advised that the best trees are based on the project location and circumstances, as no specific type of tree is effective in every situation. Chair Grantham added that it is also dependent upon how the tree is planted. Manager Medrud agreed with the phrase of “the right tree in the right place.” However, with climate change, it is important to include flexibility in terms of the species of trees in different locations rather than relying on a list. Boardmember Sedore supported entering specific information when trees are planted to afford a record over time of planting successes and failures. 4. When public space is landscaped, who decides what plants to plant? Manager Osborn advised of a project progressing to the second stage of a three-phased landscaping project for City Hall. He designed the landscaping for the front of the Police Station using a mix of native plants. The front of City Hall included the planting of flowering plums to replace the cherry trees responsible for damaging adjacent sidewalks. The City recently hired an employee with landscape design experience, who assisted in preparing the landscaping plan for the project. TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 10 Boardmember Sedore reiterated his request to document all planting and removal activities to ensue against future occurrences in other locations in the City. Manager Osborn advised that the process included an assessment of the trees as well as completing the City’s permitting process. Boardmember Chapman asked whether the City has implemented the new state law requiring 25% of public landscaping developed as pollinator habitat. Manager Osborn explained how the City has completed plantings at Tumwater Historical Park to attract pollinators along the hillside near the Crosby House. With assistance from the Daughters of the Pioneers and a local girl scout troop, butterfly habitat seeds and native plants were planted. Plantings of butterfly habitat are considered for all small landscape projects in the City. Boardmember Sedore said that it appears staff selects the plants for public property. Manager Ames responded that within the right-of-way as part of a transportation project, a landscape consultant involved in the project would recommend the selection of plants. It depends on the project. Staff has been guided by a street tree list in the past. The most recent list was updated and included in the Urban Forestry Management Plan. Director Smith said Water Resources projects do not typically include landscaping requirements other than for stormwater ponds. Staff relies on a list of appropriate plants for those locations based on functions the plants might provide for stormwater treatment. Landscaping at a stormwater facility is guided by the City’s Drainage Manual. The department also completes riparian restoration projects using native plants suited appropriately for the environment. 5. Are there any groups that work with Parks and Public Works on plant issues? For example, the new trail segment east of Falls Terrace Restaurant was previously planted with a native plant garden that was labeled and maintained by a tribe. Today, the garden has been replaced by a retaining wall and signage. Did the tribe work with Tumwater on making and maintaining the garden, and if so, how did that work and would you recommend similar partnerships in the future for Tumwater Parks? Director Denney responded that the specimen garden, the Washington native plant garden, was funded by a member of the Olympia Tumwater Foundation Board, who worked tirelessly and traveled weekly from Seattle to maintain the garden. The new pathway includes a rail, signage, plantings, and a retaining wall. During the work to complete that TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 11 section of the Deschutes Valley trail through Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls approximately 18 months ago, an easement purchased by the City from the Olympia Tumwater Foundation included a requirement to relocate the garden. Approximately $65,000 was designated from the trail project budget to relocate the garden directly below the office building located between the Foundation office and Tumwater Falls along the hillside. There has been no involvement by the tribe. The arrangement enabled the City to route the trail through the private park. The City continues to work closely with the Olympia Tumwater Foundation on a variety of other projects. The Foundation is responsible for maintaining the revegetated areas along both sides of the trail through the park. Boardmember Sedore asked whether volunteer organizations are working with the City on plants. Director Denney advised that staff works with the Tumwater School District at the Fresh Farm located at Isabella Bush Park that was originated between an agreement with Garden Raised Bounty, the City, and the Tumwater School District. The farm has transitioned as an alternative high school program for Black Hills and Tumwater High Schools. The farm grows vegetables serving students, school lunch programs, food bank, and Tumwater Town Center for senior citizen lunches. The Parks and Recreation Department has an adopted parks program whereby groups, businesses, non- profits, and churches assist staff in various plantings, removing invasive ivy, or helping to clear trails, etc. Many in the community volunteer to work on City projects. 6. Some trees have been labeled in past, such as Arbor Day memorial trees. What is the history, who is responsible, and have the labels ever stolen or vandalized? Coordinator Jones Wood advised that she followed up with the Community Development Department, which indicated that in the past, trees were not labeled especially memorial tress if disease, construction or other damage occurred, as it would be painful and distressing for the memorial family. Boardmember Sedore cited some memorial trees that have labels. Based on the number of visitors to Tumwater Falls, he questioned the value of labeling some of the vegetation as a way to educate the public about the redwoods and other native plants at Tumwater Falls as a way to attract involvement and interest in the unique plants of Tumwater. Director Denney supported the idea of labeling, especially along trails. Staff would need to work with the Olympia Tumwater Foundation for areas located within the park. 7. How does the City keep records of what kind and the number of trees that die each year due to disease, traffic accidents, vandalism, or other causes? Chair Grantham indicated the TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 12 question was previously addressed. 8. What types of trees require the most and least maintenance? For example, what kind of trees cause sidewalk lifting, what kind of trees do not cause sidewalk lifting, and what kind of trees are subject to the most wind and snow damage? Manager Osborn advised that any birch species tends to suffer damage from winds and cold weather. Manager Ames added that damage may not be the result of the species but could be related to site prep for planting and frequency of watering. Damage to trees is much more than just the species of tree. Boardmember Chapman noted that one of the main challenges Capitol Campus experiences are American sweetgum trees because they can be easily damaged during stormy weather. During the last storm, two sweetgum trees were damaged. He recommends against planting American sweetgum trees based on his experience at Capitol Campus. Director Denney noted that an American sweetgum tree is planted in the Mayor’s Grove at Tumwater Historical Park, which was the favorite tree of former Mayor Wes Barclift. Boardmember Sedore shared that based on his experience, maple trees tend to damage sidewalks while ash trees do not damage sidewalks. The City should not plant maple trees next to sidewalks. The information would be helpful in identifying proper trees for plantings. Boardmember Chapman offered that the diversity of tree species can increases risks moving forward, which should be identified in the street tree plan 9. How many and what kind of trees are removed? Is there a database of that information? How many and what kind of trees are planted? Is there a database with that information? When trees are planted by the City, is the planting documented of the species, variety, date, and location? Coordinator Jones Wood advised that when street trees are planted, the information is entered into the street tree inventory. In terms of the number and type of trees removed, the City has the information from tree removal permits. Manager Ames noted that information is available on the number and location of tree plantings. However, data has not historically been recorded on the species or age of trees. Boardmember Chapman complimented staff for sharing information on tasks that have not been completed by reviewing the list of delayed strategies. He is hopeful staff is collecting a TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 13 list of reasons. A comprehensive list of activities that are not being accomplished can reflect on the impacts that are occurring to the community or to the health of the urban forest system in the City. Documenting the information might be beneficial in identifying the gaps because of the lack of funding. Director Smith noted that much of the efforts being undertaken by Coordinator Jones Wood will be helpful, especially during the next budget cycle. Coordinator Jones Wood reviewed information on the Urban Forestry Management Plan Sustainability Coordinator Implementation 2023-2024 Proposed Timeline and invited feedback and direction on tasks to defer or reprioritize. The Board offered no changes to the work plan. DISCUSSION – Coordinator Jones Wood Past referred to maps titled “Heritage Trees of HERITAGE TREE: Tumwater” distributed by the City and the Tree Board featuring historical trees, champion trees, and landmark trees. The map has been used in public meetings as well as in communications such as newsletters. She asked for direction on updating the maps to clarify and identify Heritage Trees formally designated by the City. Coordinator Jones Wood reported she worked with GIS staff to develop a map focused only on heritage trees and a map on heritage, champion, and memorial trees. She prepared a nomination for the chestnut tree to add to the finalized Heritage Tree map. Boardmember Chapman asked whether the different tree designations are included on the maps. Coordinator Jones Wood advised that the definitions can be added to the maps. Landmark trees have no formal definition but the issue was generated from an email communication during the planning process to develop the Urban Forestry Management Plan. Chair Grantham noted that based on his review of the Capitol Boulevard Corridor Plan, the London plane trees would be impacted by future transportation improvements, which should be addressed by either planning or public works. Coordinator Jones Wood shared that another staff member in Water Resources and Sustainability is contemplating the nomination of an English walnut tree located on City property slated for a future stormwater project. The conversation is focusing on whether the tree would be impacted by the tree and whether it is possible to move the project to lessen impacts to the tree. Boardmember Sedore advocated for the planting of heritage trees during special events in a location that can maintained over the long term. He asked whether the City has original documentation on trees designated as TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 14 heritage and any criteria for heritage tree designations. Coordinator Jones Wood advised that the nominations include the staff report and other background information provided to the Tree Board and the City Council during the designation process. Boardmember Sedore suggested the City should dedicate a webpage for heritage trees identifying the tree’s history, species of the tree, photographs of the tree, and the location of the tree to enable access by the public. The information should be interesting, entertaining, and historically captured. Since the last meeting, he has read a series of Don Trosper’s books about the history of New Market and the history of Tumwater. Many historic sites are mentioned in the books with the exception of trees other than the Garry Oak located off Old Highway 99. It is important to attract community interest and involvement in the environment. It is important to ensure there is a clear definition as to what qualifies a tree to be designated as a heritage tree, as well as seeking opportunities to plant more heritage trees throughout the City. Coordinator Jones Wood described the City’s process for documenting and nominating heritage trees and the type of information included in the submittal. Boardmember Sedore suggested providing a picture of each tree during each season of the year. Photographic information on the species of the trees distributed to the community during the Arbor Day event could include a picture of the tree during each season. He suggested establishing a tradition of mayors commemorating their tenure or an important event by planting a tree. The Tree Board should offer ideas by December of each year on the planting of the Arbor Day tree, which could be either a heritage or a memorial tree. Coordinator Jones Wood advised of two nominations for heritage trees. She contacted Sound Urban Forestry to assess both trees. The assessments should be completed by the next meeting for the Board’s consideration of the nominations. Additionally, the different classifications of trees can be problematic and should be clarified by the Board, as some of the designated trees may need to be resubmitted. Boardmember Sedore spoke to the availability of expertise by Boardmembers who could share some of the responsibility of the work and research involved in designating trees. He asked whether members would be willing to assist the City in some of the work involved in researching the nomination of a heritage tree, such as assigning a subcommittee to assume the lead on specific requests. Boardmember Jackson commented on the difficulty of identifying a location to plant a tree in the City. Boardmember Sedore recommended creating a mayor’s grove or a memorial tree grove. Coordinator Jones Wood advised that City Administrator Doan has commented on the lack of space within the City to plant trees, which is why Director Smith is TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 15 exploring options along wetlands and the Deschutes river to plant trees for multiple benefits. It was also mentioned that the City might need to purchase land to plant trees. Boardmember Chapman suggested the property located south of the library as a possible area because it is accessible to the public. He also suggested dedicating some land near the City’s new Maintenance and Operations facility. Coordinator Jones Wood added that the City is also planning to purchase land for prairie restoration as mitigation as part of the Habitat Conservation Plan. Boardmember Sedore noted that several City parks are named for some individuals who were tied to the City. He suggested that when a tree dies within any park in the City, a replacement tree should be designated as a memorial tree. DISCUSSION – Coordinator Jones Wood reported the previous nomination lacked HERITAGE TREE information on the age of the tree. She added the age of the tree to the NOMINATION AT 420 nomination form. D STREET: Boardmember Sedore recommended the arborist should also obtain a core sample of all nominated trees to ascertain the accurate age of the tree. He spoke with the owner of the tree who shared that although the house is older, she was unsure as to the age of the tree. The tree is a walnut tree and is not of a large diameter. He is unsure as to any history available to document the planting of the tree. Coordinator Jones Wood said she spoke to the owner, who believes the tree is older as the photo of the tree was dated in the early 1900s. The Board discussed establishing criteria but avoid creating requirements that might discourage owners from submitting nominations. Boardmember Sedore asked about the possibility of identifying whether a pioneer lived at the residence. He offered to follow-up with the Olympia Tumwater Foundation to verify any available information pertinent to the property and recommended deferring the nomination until he can complete some research. The Board supported the recommendation. DISCUSSION – Coordinator Jones Wood reported the owner of the tree is William Rea. HERITAGE TREE NOMINATION AT 6005 Boardmember Sedore reported he contacted the owner, who lives in Los TYEE DR SW: Angeles. The owner conducted some research, reviewed some maps, and identified the tree from a tree orchard owned by David Kindred of the Bush pioneer party. The owner followed up with an organization, the Lost Apple Project at Washington State University. Representatives with TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 16 the project are considering the possibility that the tree is an unusual species and could be the oldest apple tree in Washington. He suggested deferring the nomination until more information is received from the owner. The tree is located on the property housing the Educational Services District (ESD) #113 facility. Coordinator Jones Wood advised that ESD did not consent to the nomination. She is unsure as to the owner of the property, which is required prior to considering the nomination. The Board supported deferring the nomination pending more information on the tree and ownership of the property. DRAFT TUMWATER Coordinator Jones Wood reviewed the draft of the Tree Board 2023 TREE BOARD - 2023 meeting schedule. The joint meetings with the Planning Commission are MEETING scheduled on Tuesdays. Boardmember Chapman advised that he would SCHEDULE: be unable to attend a meeting on Tuesdays. Coordinator Jones Wood said she could pursue the possibility of alternating the meetings on Mondays and Tuesdays. The December meeting agenda includes election of officers, two tree nominations, Arbor Day planning, and a tree preservation code worksession. Boardmember Chapman recommended including the memorial tree discussion as part of the Arbor Day discussion. Coordinator Jones Wood queried members on possible locations for next September’s field trip. Boardmember Sedore requested a list of planting sites completed over the last five years. Discussion followed on the potential of identifying properties for future tree plantings that could be toured in September. Commissioner Sedore spoke to his concerns surrounding information that the Port of Olympia is seeking an increase in commercial air traffic at the airport and the construction occurring off 93rd Avenue and how those activities could impacts the City’s tree canopy. Boardmember Olson recommended compiling a list of recent developments to tour to identify any missed opportunities for expanding tree canopy in the City. Coordinator Jones Wood recommended the Board become actively involved in revisions to the codes and consider potential planting sites for tree plantings. Boardmember Sedore referred to information on plants that enhance the native food web, which he would like to include as a topic of discussion, TUMWATER TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF MEETING November 7, 2022 Page 17 as the traditional development model is not conducive or accommodating for native plants. The Board has the unique responsibility to the City of Tumwater to review those environmental issues and increase awareness and consciousness about the environment. Coordinator Jones Wood shared that she recently located a dataset provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation listing all plants used by the agency. The information includes data on benefits to different species of pollinators. She is working to integrate the information within the classifications contained within the current landscape code. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled on Monday, December 12, 2022. DATE: - ADJOURNMENT: With there being no further business, Chair Grantham adjourned the meeting at 9:18 p.m. Prepared by Valerie L. Gow, Recording Secretary/President Puget Sound Meeting Services, psmsoly@earthlink.net