Sandpoint tree commission weighs a formal definition for ‘heritage tree’

The Sandpoint Urban Forestry Commission met Jan. 23 and began work on a formal definition of "heritage tree," aiming to clarify how the term would be used in future code and ordinance updates. The commission also approved minutes from its Dec. 3, 2024 meeting at the start of the session.

Commission Chair Mose Dunkel, presiding, opened member discussion by saying the heritage-tree language in the city’s recently adopted comprehensive plan was vague and had prompted last-minute debate during planning commission review. "Heritage tree topic came up kinda last minute, and that actually put some discussion into it," Dunkel said.

Why it matters: Defining "heritage tree" could affect private development decisions, public-right-of-way permits and whether homeowners may be granted flexibility—such as moving a planned house or driveway—to preserve trees. City staff cautioned that a narrow definition tied to individual trees can create perverse incentives, producing an urban forest skewed toward older trees and lacking young replacements.

Eric Bush, the city staff liaison and Sandpoint city…