Please welcome Alicia Hamilton-Jevnikar. Alicia started in February as the Project Manager for the Tree Equity Collaborative at DNR. While she is based out of the Natural Resource Building in Olympia, her position will take her across the entire state as she continues to build robust and meaningful partnerships to be successful in increasing tree canopy cover.

Alicia loves all things water. You might just run into her fishing, swimming, sailing and her doing her favorite activity, kayaking! She finds ocean kayaking to be the most thrilling way to explore Western Washington.

The Washington Tree Equity Collaborative (TEC) is the first of its kind statewide partnership aimed to achieve Tree Equity. TEC will engage cities, community organizations and stakeholders during the next three years to build rigorous and inclusive urban forestry programs. Watch out for updates on the TEC and the partnership between DNR and American Forests in future editions of the TreeLink.

What is your favorite tree? Western Dogwood Cornus nuttallii

What was your path to your current role as a professional?

I became the Project Manager for the Tree Equity Collaborative in February 2024. Prior to this role, I served as an educator and keeper at zoos and aquariums, where my focus was primarily on fostering connections between people, animals, and habitats. Additionally, I acted as the Colorado State Coordinator for the Ocean Conservancy, organizing outreach events in my community to encourage participation in efforts to improve urban waterways leading to the ocean. Over the past nine years, I have worked extensively in the non-profit sector, predominantly with volunteers, assisting them in facilitating outdoor experiences within their communities.

Do you possess particular knowledge or skills, or a philosophy, perspective, or approach that helps you be effective in your job?

I possess a perspective that may require some persuasion at times, yet it has made me effective in organizing and engaging communities. I firmly believe that we often grossly underestimate the time available to us for mindful and considerate community engagement.

In your opinion, what is the most pressing challenge facing urban and community forests in Washington today and why?

 In my opinion, the most pressing challenge facing urban and community forests in Washington today is the widespread misconception that their main value is aesthetics. There is also a perception that forests are wild and inaccessible places, often requiring specialized equipment or preparation for visitation. There is a critical need for increased community awareness and understanding of the benefits of urban forests. I feel it is our responsibility to support communities in identifying, learning, and connecting with the countless benefits urban forests provide.

If you had a million dollars to invest into Urban Forestry within your own community, where would you put it?

I would ensure that every middle school had an outdoor classroom. A place where they could run experiments, think in a space without walls, use nature to answer tough questions, and wander.  

Welcome Alicia! You can contact Alicia (who serves the entire state) at alicia.hamilton@dnr.wa.gov