The Once and Future Tree Canopy

I don’t know how close you follow local legislation, but the more time I spend sitting in County meetings and churning through the County’s website … some things get are “curiouser and curiouser”.

For example … do you know about the “novel” approach legislation regarding tree replacements based on measuring the now and future size of tree canopies?

Go here and here and here to read the Planning & Community Development summary on potential changes to existing ordinances and the Executive/Council Approval Form (aka, "ECAF).

Who benefits from cutting down trees and replacing stumps with trees that might grow to a certain size canopy in 20 years – Take a guess: You? Me? Land developers? 

Another question is, what potential impact might this proposed legislation have on the development of Wellington Hills Park?

Wellington Hills Park – (def.) A small park In Woodinville Washington with rolling topography and 90-year-old trees.  Currently, it is the proposed location of a Snohomish County Regional Tournament-level Sports Complex featuring stadium lights, amplified sound system, parking for 750 cars, a 50,000 sq. ft. indoor activities building plus a "few" other goodies to boot.

In order for the “Regional Tournament-level Sports Complex” to be built, mature trees will be removed and over 250,000 cubic yards of soil and dirt will be dug up and re-purposed.

And the current Wellington Hills tree canopy?  Just imagine what small mystery trees, fresh from a nursery, will look like, next to a Costco-sized parking lot in 20 years.

BTW - the cost for this park makeover? 

That's correct, $27 million.