We, the undersigned residents of Washington County, in recognition of the value and many benefits that trees provide, urge our County Commissioners to initiate a countywide urban forestry program to offset the negative impact of increasing housing development on tree canopy and the localized impact of climate change.

Action petitioned for:

• Budget for a dedicated professional urban forester/planner for the county to develop an urban forestry plan to provide better protection for trees and better clarity for developers for the future.
• The urban forester will develop a plan with various county departments and community groups, including environmental justice organizations and will work with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program staff to help secure supplemental grant funding from local, state and regional sources.
• Include adequate space for new trees and protect existing trees in plans for new housing developments, especially in the urban unincorporated areas of the county.