Who is the Joint CPO Tree Code Group?
We are a group of concerned citizens who live in unincorporated Washington County who are alarmed at the rate of loss of trees in our communities. We formed into the Joint-CPO Tree Group in December 2007 in response to an announcement in the CPO newsletters looking for those interested in discussing the status of trees in Washington County. After some initial research into existing code, we decided to work within the CPO format to address this gap in County governance (What is a CPO?). We have been meeting at least monthly since then with subgroups meeting more frequently.
In the fall of 2008, we presented our work to all of the urban CPOs. In addition to informing the public about our work, we were also listening to the public about their issues and concerns regarding the tree canopy in our county as well as their concerns and suggestions for our proposal. We've received letters in support of our principals from six different CPOs.
Our draft report was provided to the County Commissioners in January, and our final report in February 2009. We requested inclusion on the 2009 DLUT Work Program but were not included.
In February 2009, the Cedar Mill News published an article about our project "Time to Start Saving Trees"
In 2009 we continued to work the Kathy Lehtola, Director Dept. Land Use and Transportation (DLUT). We presented to the Board of Commissioners on Sept 1, 2009 and requested inclusion on the 2010 Work program.
Washington County Joint CPO Tree Code Group Timeline (high level)
| 2007 | Nov | Wash Co Joint CPO Tree Code Group formed. Started research. |
| 2008 | Spring | Nadine Smith (Principal Planner, LUT) presented current state of WA Co. tree codes |
| Aug | Draft report presented to BCC | |
| Sept | Chair Brian directed Kathy Lehtola (Director, LUT) to work with Tree Code Group | |
| Sept | Presentation to Kathy Lehtola, Nadine Smith | |
| Fall | CPO presentations, letters of support received | |
| Dec | Final report delivered to BCC Request for inclusion on 2009 work program |
|
| 2009 | June | Hosted Benefits of Trees presentation by Geoffrey Donovan (USDA Forest Service) |
| Sept 1 |
Presented at Board of Commissioners Meeting (minutes,
video starts
at 3:01) |
|
| ... looking forward ... | ||
| Fall/Winter | Work with LUT staff to answer questions | |
| 2010 | Spring | Inclusion in 2010 DLUT Work Program |
