Issaquah council adopts Urban Forest Management Plan unanimously

The Issaquah City Council voted unanimously Monday to adopt Resolution No. 2025-03, approving the city’s Urban Forest Management Plan. The motion to adopt the plan passed on a voice vote with a recorded outcome of 6-0 in favor.

Council members said the plan responds to committee feedback and commended staff for community outreach. Council President Martz moved to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded and carried without objection.

The plan was presented to council leadership and the Services, Safety and Parks Committee in advance; Dan Hintz, the city’s Urban Forest Manager, and Jeff Watling, Parks and Community Services Director, were present. Watling briefly thanked staff and singled out Hintz for leading the effort. Council members who spoke during the brief discussion described the plan as well put together and expressed support for moving it forward on the council calendar.

By adopting Resolution No. 2025-03, the council gave formal approval to the Urban Forest Management Plan but did not attach additional conditions during the meeting. Council members noted the plan had already received public comments in committee and that those comments were generally supportive.

The council removed one related informational item from this meeting’s full presentation schedule because of inclement weather; staff said they will present broader disaster- and tree-related recovery and wildfire prevention information at a future meeting.

The plan adoption is expected to guide tree management, outreach, and related permitting and maintenance practices going forward. Staff previously discussed plan implementation and next steps with the Services, Safety and Parks Committee.