UFMP Vision Statement
Kirkland’s urban forest is vital green infrastructure that is essential for a healthy, resilient, and livable city. The urban forest is a defining feature of Kirkland’s identity. Through the City government and community’s shared stewardship of trees and forested areas, Kirkland’s urban forest will strengthen the community’s resilience to climate change, support urban biodiversity, provide lasting social and economic benefits, and improve the health and wellbeing of community members as Kirkland’s population and density grows.
Project Summary
Kirkland’s Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) was adopted by Council in 2013 and was intended to cover a span of 20 years. This plan was adopted prior to the 2044 Comprehensive Plan update and the 2020 Sustainability Strategic Plan.
While the city has met many of the performance metrics developed in the UFMP (fig 1), there are many metrics that remain that are unclear, vague, or difficult to implement as designed. This poses a challenge to achieving the goals and objectives and connecting the UFMP with the Sustainability Strategic Plan and the Comprehensive plan.
With the recent public tree inventory and canopy cover assessments completed, the city now has an opportunity to develop metrics and goals specific to meet Kirklands vision for the future.
Meeting Informaton
View meeting materials from Planning Commission (PC) or City Council meetings by clicking on the appropriate tab below:
2013 Urban Forest Management Plan
Recognizing the value and benefits of the urban forest, the City developed a coordinated approach to urban forest management over a long term horizon. Adopted in June 2013 Kirkland's Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan(PDF, 3MB) provides a framework of performance measures for sustainable urban forest management.
Specific action items to implement the Strategic Management Plan are outlined in citywide Six Urban Forestry Year Work Plans. The current Work Plan (2021-2026) was adopted by the City Council with Resolution R-5472(PDF, 1MB).
To see an update on the status of the City's Urban Forest Six-Year Work Plan, take a look at the 2021-2023 Urban Forest Report Card(PDF, 7MB).
Kirkland's Tree Canopy Cover & Inventory
Canopy cover is the 2-D outline of tree leaves and branches as seen from above. To track progress towards our 40% canopy goal, Kirkland measures its canopy cover on 5-6 year cycles. By looking at tree canopy cover in specific areas and comparing it to prior studies, any changes can reveal the effectiveness of urban forest management. Our most recent canopy assessment revealed:
- A decrease in tree canopy from 40% in 2010 to ~38% in 2021 equates to a loss of over 300 acres of canopy cover.
- The highest percentage of canopy loss occurred in the Single Family residential land use area.
- Although current canopy cover is within 75-100% of our goal, an “optimal” range of performance, Kirkland still needs to consider management strategies that enhance canopy cover, such as planting strategies and tree code updates.
View past assessments:
In 2023-2024, the City obtained a comprehensive inventory of public trees which included identifying, measuring, and assessing over 50,000 trees along streets and in parks and open spaces. This data will help the City understand the diversity, age, and management needs of the urban forest. To explore the inventory, use the link below: