Kenmore City Council was scheduled to discuss draft urban forest plan and 50% tree canopy goal
Ahead of its May 5, 2025 special meeting, city staff proposed raising Kenmore's tree canopy goal from 46% to 50% in a draft Urban Forest Management Plan 1.
What the records say
The Kenmore City Council was scheduled to discuss the draft Urban Forest Management Plan at a May 5, 2025 study session and give staff direction on the city's tree canopy goal 1. The draft plan, prepared by the Environmental Services Department with consultant Facet, suggests adopting a 50% canopy cover goal, up from Kenmore's current 46% 1. The plan is an action item from the Climate Action Plan, meant to prioritize carbon sequestration and bolster the community's climate resiliency 1. The project is funded by a grant from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, which also covered a street tree inventory done last summer 1. The effort included a land cover assessment, evaluation of canopy cover, urban heat, watershed basins, and social equity, plus a community open house and survey 1.
- The council was scheduled to discuss the draft Urban Forest Management Plan and provide direction on the tree canopy goal at the May 5, 2025 study session 1.
- The draft suggests a 50% canopy cover goal, up from the current 46% 1.
- The plan is a Climate Action Plan action item to prioritize carbon sequestration and climate resiliency 1.
- A Washington State Department of Natural Resources grant funded the plan's development and a street tree inventory conducted the prior summer 1.
- Community input came from an open house and survey 1.
Why it matters
The canopy goal would set the target for how Kenmore cares for, preserves, and grows its tree cover, and a higher goal could mean more trees planted and protected — which helps cool the community and absorb carbon. Council direction on the goal is needed for staff to complete the final plan 1.
What changed / what's next
- The draft plan proposes raising the tree canopy goal from 46% to 50% 1.
- The available records do not establish the meeting's outcome; the item was scheduled for discussion and direction, not adoption 1.
- Staff said setting the canopy goal is necessary to complete the final plan, expected by July, with a draft due to the Department of Natural Resources in May to meet grant timeline requirements 1.