Committee confirms five nominees to Seattle’s Urban Forestry Commission

The Land Use Committee on April 2 recommended confirmation of five nominees (Clerk File numbers 3110–3114) and one reappointment to the Urban Forestry Commission. Nominees introduced themselves at the committee: Aaron D. Clark (position 1, wildlife biologist), Lonnie Chang (position 3, natural resource agency / university representative), Drew Epping (position 5, arborist), Melanie Ocasio (position 11, environmental justice representative) and reappointment of Leah Hall (position 13, community/neighborhood representative).

Council Central Staff introduced each nominee and summarized backgrounds. Aaron Clark described experience in ecological restoration, ornithology and native‑led land return work. Lonnie Chang works for the USDA Forest Service on wildfire risk reduction and forest resilience. Drew Epping is a board‑certified master arborist active in workforce development. Melanie Ocasio described BIPOC outreach and STEM education in South Seattle. Leah Hall, reappointed, described permaculture and community plant propagation experience and ties to Rainier Beach.

Council members praised the nominees for their expertise. Councilmember Rink asked each nominee what they hoped to accomplish and nominees mentioned compensation for commissioners as an equity measure, stronger regional coordination on forestry and increased representation of BIPOC communities in commission proceedings. The committee moved and seconded the confirmations; the clerk called the roll. For the recommendation to confirm the appointments, Councilmember Rink voted Yes, Councilmember Rivera voted Aye and Chair Solomon voted Aye; the clerk reported 3 votes in favor and none opposed. The committee will forward its recommendation to the full council on April 8, 2025.