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Lake Forest Park urban forest planner Drew Eppany leaving for role with American Forests
Summary
Drew Eppany, Lake Forest Park's urban forest planner, said the meeting was her last day with the city and that she will take a West Coast position with American Forests's tree equity work. Officials and board members thanked her for leading the city's urban-forestry efforts and discussed transition steps for outstanding projects.
Drew Eppany, Lake Forest Park's urban forest planner, told the Tree Board meeting that the session marked her last day with the city and that she is leaving to take a West Coast director position with American Forests' tree equity team. "Yeah. So, today is my last day with Lake Forest Park. I have really enjoyed my time here," Eppany said.
Eppany said the move was a career opportunity she could not pass up and offered to attend the next board meeting as an observer during the transition in case questions arise about ongoing items. "I do plan on coming as just a observer member to the next meeting as long as I talk about travel just in case there's any questions about the stuff we talk about or anything needs wrapped up," she said.
Board members and staff expressed gratitude for Eppany's work. Council liaison Larry (last name not specified in the transcript) said the city had benefited from the stability and expertise Eppany provided, citing work on permits, the revised tree list and updates to exceptional-tree diameters. "You've done all sorts of things that didn't have to go on. ... It's the stuff you've done above and beyond the day to day permitting," a board member said during the remarks.
Staff described transition plans. Mark (planning staff) said legal review and other steps are under way for a package of code updates that Eppany helped lead, and that the city would prioritize an in-person, community-facing successor. Eppany said she had circulated hiring information through urban-forestry networks and that applicant numbers and quality were encouraging.
Votes at a glance
- Motion to approve the agenda: Passed (motion moved and seconded; verbal "aye" recorded) - Motion to approve minutes of the prior joint meeting with the Climate Action Committee: Passed (motion moved and seconded; verbal "aye" recorded)
Why it matters: Eppany led several multiyear efforts the Tree Board identified as priorities, including updates to the recommended tree list, exceptional-tree size thresholds and community engagement on tree canopy. Board members said continuity is important while the city completes legal review and begins state-level review prior to council consideration.
