Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources for the Urban Forest Management Plan Project
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources for the Urban Forest Management Plan Project.
Report Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources for the Urban Forest Management Plan Project.
Staff Contact:
Kym Foley, Sr Environmental Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.570.3957
Presenter:
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia is initiating development of its first Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP). This strategic and comprehensive document will guide the City in establishing tree canopy goals and inform related policies, programs, operations, and resources needed to implement those goals. The strategies described will strike a balance between environmental health and sustainable urban growth, ensuring that both the benefits and challenges associated with urban trees are distributed equitably across Olympia’s community. For the sake of this plan, the “urban forest” refers to trees on both private and public properties, across developed areas and undeveloped natural landscapes.
The City of Olympia has been awarded a Community Forestry Assistance Grant from Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WA DNR) in the amount of $117,800, with no match required. The grant will support development of the UFMP by March of 2028. This funding will be used to implement the following project activities:
• Community Outreach and Engagement: To ensure that the plan reflects the needs and long-term vision of people who live, work, or visit in Olympia. A variety of opportunities to engage will be offered to ensure a diverse range of perspectives and identities are represented.
• Existing Conditions and Best Practices Analysis: A comprehensive review of current policies, programs, and operations across all departments doing work related to managing trees on both public and private properties. A comparison to updated urban forestry best practices and regional case studies will identify gaps, needs and opportunities to be addressed in the plan.
• Develop Goals and Strategies: Tree canopy goals will be established based on findings from the previous two activities and data from the 2023 Olympia Tree Canopy Assessment. Recommendations will be made for potential updates to policies, programs, operations, and resources needed to achieve those goals.
Development of the Urban Forest Management Plan is specifically named in the periodic update of the Olympia Comprehensive Plan (Olympia 2045) under Goal GN3: “A healthy and resilient urban forest is protected and valued for its contribution to the environment and community.” Additionally, the 2024-2029 Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit requires adoption and implementation of tree canopy goals and policies to support stormwater management and water quality improvement in receiving waters (S5.C.1.c.iii).
Climate Analysis:
The urban forest is vulnerable to climate change but also plays a role in advancing climate adaptation and resilience in urban environments. The City has already begun updating many of its programs and operating procedures to account for a changing climate, such as selecting tree species better suited to hotter and drier climates. The UFMP will formalize and expand these strategies and resources needed to maintain a healthy and resilient tree canopy. A robust urban forest helps mitigate effects of urban heat, manage increased stormwater runoff from heavier rain events, and address other climate related challenges.
Equity Analysis:
Historic inequities in urban and environmental planning have left many marginalized communities with significantly less access to trees and green spaces. These disparities contribute to higher temperatures, poor air quality, increased stormwater runoff, and fewer opportunities for recreation and mental health benefits. The UFMP will prioritize equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, along with meaningful community involvement in developing goals and strategies. This approach supports reducing health disparities and improving climate resilience. A UFMP is key to ensuring Olympia’s growth occurs sustainably, balancing the critical need for housing and public infrastructure with a strategically and equitably managed tree canopy that promotes both public and environmental health.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Public input received during planning projects over the last several years reveals a strong interest in trees and the natural environment. Community engagement associated with the Capital Mall Triangle Redevelopment Plan, the Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment, the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update, and others resulted in many comments encouraging the City to review and strengthen its tree protection and climate adaptation policies related to the urban forest. Similarly, community members strongly urge the City to reduce barriers to developing affordable housing, therefore a balance between these complex needs must be met.
Financial Impact:
The WA DNR grant in the amount of $117,800 will fully fund development and delivery of the Urban Forest Management Plan. This funding enables the City to retain an experienced urban forestry consultant to complete much of the work. City staff across multiple departments will contribute time throughout the duration of the project to further inform goals and strategies identified in the plan.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources for the Urban Forest Management Plan Project.
2. Direct staff to return with additional information before taking action. This option would delay project implementation and may jeopardize grant funding.
3. Do not approve the Resolution and do not authorize execution of the grant agreement. This option would forgo grant funding, and result in a substantially scaled-down version of the Urban Forest Management Plan with less opportunity for equitable community engagement.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement