Parks proposes one‑year downtown reforestation pilot to raise canopy in Riverside (7% now)

Angel Spell, assistant director for Park Operations, presented a resolution asking the committee to authorize a one-year downtown reforestation pilot. What the pilot would do: Spell said downtown (Riverside neighborhood) currently has about 7 percent canopy cover while the city’s goal is 30 percent by 2030. The pilot would expand an existing residential tree‑canopy program into core downtown areas, assign an urban forester as a point person for downtown planting, offer technical assistance and create a cost‑share grant program with the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP). The pilot would focus on planting and maintenance adjustments tailored to the heavy infrastructure, pedestrian and vehicular conditions downtown. Funding and coordination: Spell said the program would use the same grant program that funds residential tree‑canopy projects and would work across city departments and with property owners. She also said staff will seek state funds to map the downtown irrigation/water system — the current map is a hand‑drawn plan from Expo ’74 — to resolve gaps between private and public irrigation responsibility and reduce tree loss from lack of watering. Why it matters: Spell argued that downtown residents, workers and visitors deserve a healthy canopy and that the pilot will test techniques for survivability in a challenging urban environment. The Parks Board and several council members expressed support and asked staff to return with implementation details and funding mechanics after the one‑year pilot. Ending: Staff will return to the council with a one‑year evaluation of results and recommendations on scaling or adjustments.