Sandpoint forestry panel begins work to define "heritage tree" after comp‑plan prompt

The Sandpoint Urban Forestry Commission began a multi‑month effort Thursday to draft a definition of "heritage tree" after the topic surfaced during the city's recent comprehensive plan update.

Commission Chair Mose Dunkel opened the discussion during the Jan. 23 meeting; Eric Bush, the city staff liaison and city forester, told the commission the comp plan language encourages "protecting heritage trees and native vegetation" but left the term largely undefined. "A tree or collection of trees that is acknowledged and valued for the exceptional characteristics that set it apart from others," Bush read from the plan as an initial working phrase.

The commission said a local definition is needed so the label cannot be used in ways that produce unintended consequences. Bush cited guidance from the International Society of Arboriculture, warning that narrowly protecting only old,…