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 forester, reviewed the comp‑plan text and an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) guideline used as a reference. He read the comp‑plan definition included in the plan: "A tree or collection of trees that is acknowledged and valued for the exceptional characteristics that set it apart from others." Bush said the language is intentionally broad but that the commission has an opportunity to refine it.

Bush and other members cautioned that a narrowly applied heritage designation can have unintended consequences. Referencing the ISA guidance, Bush quoted that "By focusing too narrowly on individual trees, such ordinances may contribute to the degradation of the community forest over the long term," and urged the commission to balance protection of venerable specimens with policies that also foster young and otherwise valuable trees.

Commission members suggested breaking the category into subtypes — for example, "mature," "heritage," "veteran" and "ancient" — so each tree could carry an appropriate status and protections without making the policy inflexible. Member Paige Belfry noted difference in meanings across contexts, saying in some uses, "heritage" implies historical or cultural significance such as a tree associated with a historic event.

Bush also pointed to existing city code. He read the city ordinance reference (Ordinance 71513) that recognizes "historic and heritage tree preservation designation" and notes that a heritage or historical tree "may be designated by the tree committee in coordination with the historic preservation committee based on the criteria as described in the arbor cultural manual." Bush said that the current code reference is brief and that any new working definition could feed into a code update and changes to the city’s arboriculture manual.

Members discussed practical outcomes if a heritage designation were used in development review. Several commissioners said property owners had asked for flexibility—such as adjusted setbacks or shorter driveways—so they could preserve specified trees. Commissioners agreed any incentives should be coupled with enforceable construction protections, because "if through construction, they killed a tree, that that doesn't get at what we're trying to improve upon," Bush said. The commission noted existing arboriculture guidance on construction-phase tree protection could be referenced rather than reinvented.

Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to circulate sample definitions and examples drawn from other municipalities and ISA materials. They suggested inviting Heather Upton, the city's arts/culture/historic-preservation officer, to advise on historically significant trees. Members agreed to research alternatives and revisit a working definition at an upcoming meeting.

Votes and formal action: The commission approved the Dec. 3, 2024 minutes by voice vote early in the meeting; the transcript records that the motion was moved and seconded and that "Motion passes," but the transcript does not record the mover or seconder by name.

Ending: The commission did not adopt a final definition at this meeting; members asked staff to distribute candidate definitions and pledged to continue the conversation at a future meeting with additional research and input from the historic-preservation officer.