The Mid-Columbia Community Forestry Council encourages economical, beneficial and appropriate tree care practices and policies that promote tree health. Membership is open to all residents of the Mid-Columbia and Lower Yakima regions. The Council seeks the broadest possible involvement of individuals, organizations, societies, associations, businesses, public and private agencies and groups interested in community forestry and the objectives of the Council.
Everyone is welcome to join the Mid-Columbia Community Forestry Council, which meets the second Monday of each month at 7:00 P.M. in the Benton County Cooperative Extension Office, 5600-E West Canal Place, Kennewick.
History of the Council
In 1992, Marianne
Ophardt, the Washington State University Cooperative Extension Agent identified the
local need for an urban forester in the Tri-Cities. Ophardt met with the directors of the Parks and Recreation
departments from the three cities, Dick Erickson from Pasco, Russ Burtner from
Kennewick, and Bill Gilbert from Richland. Due to a downturn in the area’s
economy and decreasing city budgets, each city indicated that they could not
support funding for an urban forester. The
purpose of this forester would have been to protect the health of urban
(municipal-owned) trees and educate the public about their value and care.
However, the directors said that they would support efforts by Ophardt
to form a non-profit forestry council which would represent the three cities
in promoting urban forestry in the area and obtaining urban forestry grant
funding from the Department of Natural Resources.
The council was
established 1993 as a non-profit corporation with the purpose of promoting the
value, benefits, and importance of trees through educational programs.
Since that time the council has provided free assistance to local
municipalities, schools, and other non-profit service organizations. The
council and its members have provided a variety of services and assistance to
the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland including:
 |
Coordination of tree plantings by volunteers and arranged for publicity
with local media coverage of these events.
Plantings have been throughout the Tri-Cities area. |
|
Provided on-site coordination and consulting for these tree plantings
projects. |
|
Obtained urban forestry grant funds totaling $5,000 to establish council
and produce the Big Tree Book. These funds were matched with in-kind
service by council members and other community volunteers. |
|
Obtained an urban forestry grant for $6,000 to provide teacher training
in urban forestry. |
|
Developed “Growing with Trees” curriculum and provided teacher
training workshops on trees and tree care. |
|
Performed preliminary hazard tree assessments upon request to cities. |
|
Provided on-site tree problem diagnosis and consultations upon request
to cities. |
|
Provided on-site tree pruning consultations upon request to cities. |
|
Acted as local liaison with Washington State Community Forestry Council. |
|
Provided public education on tree care (selection, planting, and pruning). |
|
Assisted in preparation of tree species selection for local area or
specific sites. |
|
Provided guidance and assistance to local organizations with tree planting or educational projects. |
All interested
individuals and municipalities have been invited to become active board members
and are always welcome to participate in Mid-Columbia Community Forestry Council
activities and business meetings. Current active members include a number of
professionals with expertise in tree care and concerned citizens with public
service experience.
Other services the
council can provide to partner cities:
|
Act as local tree board for Tree City USA application |
|
Prepare and submit Tree City USA application |
|
Act as a grant partner for urban forestry grants |
|
Draft tree ordinances to fit city's needs |
|
Assist in preparation of pruning and tree planting specifications |
|
Assist in preparation of urban forestry grant applications |
The Mid-Columbia Community Forestry council provides a valuable service to the cities of Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland by educating youth and adults about the economic, environmental, and aesthetic value of trees. They have brought funding to this area and helped promote the improved health of trees in the three cities. Their efforts have fostered a relationship between community volunteers and the local parks. They have also encouraged greater stewardship for local trees and city green spaces.