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Sandpoint commissioners prioritize tree planting, diversity and ordinance review; inventory update, enforcement and pest planning discussed
Summary
The Sandpoint Urban Forestry Commission on Oct. 23 prioritized a tree-planting program with species-diversity goals and a review of the city tree ordinance to address permit compliance and enforcement, and discussed an IRA-funded tree-inventory update and pest response work.
Sandpoint’s Urban Forestry Commission spent most of its Oct. 23 meeting outlining priorities for the coming year and debating how to protect and replenish the city’s tree canopy.
City staff liaison and city forester Eric Busch told commissioners the Commission should draft three to five priorities for 2026 that the mayor and City Council can consider alongside the budget and the comprehensive plan. Commissioners coalesced around two primary priorities to forward in time for council: a tree-planting program that includes species-diversity goals, and a review of the city tree ordinance to address permit compliance and enforcement. They also discussed a tree inventory update, budget needs, and responses to pests such as emerald ash borer and Dutch elm disease.
Busch said the city was awarded an IRA grant earlier in 2025 that includes funds for updating the tree inventory. The grant was briefly paused but later restored; staff plan to…
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