Bothell: Charting the Future of the City’s Urban Forest
The City of Bothell is charting a green course for its future, with a significant focus on preserving and expanding its urban tree canopy. This initiative, known as the Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP), was the central topic of discussion at the recent Bothell Planning Commission meeting.
On September 3, 2025, the commission held a hybrid meeting—both in person at City Hall and online via Zoom—to review the latest progress on the UFMP. While no final decisions were made, the meeting was a crucial "study session" designed to give commissioners an update on the plan's development and gather their feedback on its initial goals.
The UFMP is a major undertaking for the city, funded in part by a generous $500,000 Climate Planning Grant. Its purpose is to create a comprehensive strategy for managing Bothell's trees as the city continues to grow and develop.
A key part of the update was a deep dive into data from a recent Tree Canopy Assessment Report. The findings revealed that Bothell's tree canopy covers 44% of the city’s land. However, this number has seen a slight decline of 0.7% since 2015, highlighting the need for a proactive management strategy. On a more positive note, the assessment identified that 15% of the city’s land is "plantable," offering a significant opportunity for growth.
The city isn't just relying on data—it's listening to its residents. A public survey showed overwhelming support for tree conservation, with nearly 70% of respondents expressing a desire for more trees to be planted across the city. The community values trees for the shade, habitat, and beauty they provide, while also acknowledging challenges like sidewalk damage and maintenance.
One of the most interesting findings from the report is where the city's tree canopy is located. The vast majority of trees—77% of the total—are on private property. This makes private landowners the single most important partners in the city's greening efforts. The report also pointed out that private properties are where the largest decline in tree canopy has occurred, but they also hold the greatest potential for future tree planting.
The Planning Commission’s feedback at this study session will be vital in shaping the plan's final recommendations, ensuring they are practical and aligned with community needs. Looking ahead, the city will be hosting public focus groups and releasing a full draft of the UFMP in October. Residents will have another chance to provide input at a public open house, timed to coincide with Bothell’s annual Arbor Day celebration. The final plan is expected to be adopted by the end of 2025.