Coordinator’s Corner — February

Having lived most of my adult life and my entire childhood in ‘snow country,’ I’m always a little surprised when I see signs of spring at the turn of the year here in western Washington. Spring plants are already beginning to poke through mulch, and hellebores, heather, primrose, and snowdrops are blooming. The season is …

Environmental Justice Grants Due 2/21

The Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz challenged DNR's Urban Forestry Program and the Washington Community Forestry Council (WCFC) to dedicate some energy and resources to issues of equity in urban forestry. In turn, the DNR Urban Forestry Program and the WCFC have wholeheartedly embraced this challenge. DNR's Urban Forestry staff have been working with …

Bigleaf Maple Decline, Results of UW Study

This article is an update to those published by the Tree Link in October 2014, “Bigleaf Maple Dieback in Western Washington?”, and the follow-up articles in September of 2015, ” What’s Going on with Bigleaf Maple?“, and in August 2016, “Bigleaf Maple Decline, Update and Next Steps”. WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THE DECLINE IN BIGLEAF MAPLES …

Faces of Urban Forestry: Katie Kosanke

Name: Katie Kosanke Title: Urban Forester Employer: City of Spokane, Parks & Recreation Department Credentials: ISA Certified Arborist and Municipal Specialist; Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Favorite Tree: Western larch is one of my top favorites because of its bright green foliage, distinct structure and spectacular fall color What was your path to your current role …

New Seminar for 2019: Protecting Trees during Construction

“Protecting Trees during Construction” The economic, environmental, and social benefits of trees are well-established; however, trees are vulnerable to negative impacts from construction activities. A new seminar from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ Urban Forestry Program, “Protecting Trees during Construction,” will provide a review of urban development processes and explore common strategies used …

Coordinator’s Corner–January

Winter means rain in western Washington. Rain that sheets over impervious surfaces, collecting debris and toxins that can, in turn, be carried to urban stream systems degrading water quality and imperiling aquatic habitats. Stormwater runoff is the number one source of pollution in Washington’s waters. During this legislative session, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz …

Announcing a New Grant Program for 2019!

The Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz challenged DNR's Urban Forestry Program and the Washington Community Forestry Council (WCFC) to dedicate some energy and resources to issues of equity in urban forestry. In turn, the DNR Urban Forestry Program and the WCFC have wholeheartedly embraced this challenge. DNR's Urban Forestry staff have been working with …