The City of Bellingham is creating an Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP). The purpose of the UFMP is to create a strategic plan that helps maintain a healthy and desirable urban forest through well-coordinated, consistent, efficient, and sustainable long-term urban forest management. See below to learn more about Bellingham’s urban forest.
Project Status
Phase 3 (Plan Development) is underway.
NEW! Staff presented an update to City Council on Monday, November 20th at the Public Works and Natural Resources Committee meeting. In preparation for developing the Plan, staff evaluated three possible canopy cover targets: Status Quo (35%), No Net Loss (40%), and Growth (45%). The canopy cover target will guide and inform which actions are included in the Plan. Following the staff presentation and further Council discussion at the evening meeting, City Council directed staff to develop a draft plan using a 45% canopy cover target.
Next Steps
Staff will conclude Phase 3 by drafting the Plan, which will include vision, goals, strategies, and actions. There will be opportunities for community feedback on the draft. This feedback will be incorporated in a final Plan for City Council approval.
Please sign up to receive email updates about the UFMP process and feedback opportunities.
More Information
Learn about Bellingham’s urban forest and Urban Forestry Management Plan through the following resources.
Additional Resources
Reports and Resources
- Phase 2 Engagement Summary Report, 2022
- Phase 2 Engagement Summary Appendices, 2022
- Open House presentation for public input, May 2022
- Canopy and Forest Structure Analysis Summary Report, 2021 (updated Nov. 2022)
- Wildlife Corridor Analysis Report, 2021 (updated Nov. 2022)
- Wildland Urban Interface Report, 2021
- State of the Urban Forest Report, 2022
- Urban Forest Storymap, 2022
- Urban Forestry Management Plan Video, 2022
- FAQ About the Forest Structure and Wildlife Corridor Methodologies, 2022
Council Presentations (listed in chronological order)
- Urban Forestry Management Plan Update, Council Presentation 1/25/2021
- Urban Forestry Management Plan Update, Council Presentation Slides 8/30/2021
- Urban Forestry Management Plan Update, Council Presentation Video 8/30/2021 – Item 4
- Urban Forestry Management Plan Update, Council Presentation Slides 11/21/2022
- Tree Regulations & Enforcement, Council Presentation Slides 4/25/2022
- Urban Forestry Management Plan Update, Council Presentation Slides 9/25/2023
- Urban Forestry Management Plan – Phase 3, Canopy Cover Target Recommendation 11/20/2023
Contacts
Analiese Burns
Habitat and Restoration Manager
Public Works Natural Resources
acburns@cob.org
(360) 778-7968