Kirkland adopts Urban Forest Plan to boost tree canopy and planting

The Village of Kirkland Board of Trustees voted on Jan. 19 to approve the Village Tree Committee's Urban Forest Plan, a multi-year framework intended to preserve, expand and diversify the municipality's street- and park-tree stock.

The plan sets targets for increased canopy and species diversity, and proposes programs including a 50-50 planting initiative, a parkway-planting list, and a recommendation that the village adopt recognized arboriculture standards. The plan text begins with a vision statement: "We seek a fully diverse, stocked, healthy and safe urban forest, one that will include a variety of native and cultivar species to provide wildlife habitat and seasonal color that will enhance the attractiveness of the community to residents, visitors and prospective businesses," language provided in the plan and cited to the Tree Commission.

Trustee Michener moved to adopt the plan and Trustee Benes seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote. Village staff and the Tree Commission said the plan is built on a 2023 parkway tree inventory and aerial canopy estimates that show some neighborhoods (Historic Kirkland) have roughly 30% canopy while newer subdivisions range nearer 12-13%. The plan recommends increasing species diversity to reduce reliance on maples and continuing outreach such as an Arbor Day planting and a partnership with local schools to propagate saplings.

Public Works Supervisor James Stark and Clerk Leslie Scidmore were listed as implementation contacts in the plan materials appended to the meeting record. The plan calls for an ongoing maintenance schedule, watering and aftercare resources for newly planted trees, and a phased equipment list for Public Works. No public comment was recorded on the item during the meeting.