Published February 20 2019
The Neighborhood Leadership Gathering this month will focus on trees, which provide beauty to Bellevue’s natural environment, as well as health and economic benefits. Resident input is wanted as the city considers how to increase our tree canopy from 37 percent of Bellevue’s land area to 40 percent.
“Talking about Trees” is set for Tuesday, Feb. 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, room 1E-108. This edition of the twice yearly Neighborhood Leadership Gathering series will feature a staff panel presenting Bellevue’s tree canopy assessment and trends related to it, along with information about trees in our parks and trees and development.
Following these short talks, there will be a facilitated discussion of tree-related issues. Residents will be asked for their ideas on how the city can partner with the community to preserve and grow Bellevue’s urban tree canopy.
In 2006, the city launched its Environmental Stewardship Initiative with a goal of bringing a more focused and integrated approach to Bellevue’s environmental efforts. Preservation of the tree canopy is among the efforts in the ongoing initiative.
In 2017, the city performed a tree canopy assessment, using aerial photography to survey Bellevue’s trees. The assessment measured both public and private property, documenting forests in parks, trees in the right of way and the trees on residential land. Of the estimated 1.4 million trees that constitute Bellevue’s tree canopy, 65 percent are on residential land.
The tree canopy assessment also quantified some of the benefits the canopy provides, including saving the city money by capturing runoff and sequestering carbon. The assessment offers a detailed look at the state of Bellevue’s tree canopy and the benefits it provides.
To increase the benefits that trees provide, the City Council adopted a goal of 40 percent tree canopy in Bellevue. To obtain this vision, the community will play a vital role. Through community partnerships as well as maintenance, restoration, volunteer tree planting and other efforts of everyday residents, Bellevue is working toward achieving this goal.
Neighborhood Leadership Gatherings, where people discuss pressing local issues, are open to all who are invested in the quality and health of their neighborhoods. Coffee and dessert will be served. RSVPs are appreciated to neighborhoodoutreach@bellevuewa.gov.