A study launched this spring by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks will assess the current condition of forest canopy in unincorporated areas, which will inform future actions with communities that promote equitable access to healthy tree canopy.

The project team will study 34 square miles, which includes urban unincorporated communities and the unincorporated rural towns of Fall City, Vashon, and Snoqualmie Pass.

The study is led by the department’s new Urban Forestry Program, building on decades of progress King County foresters have made promoting forest health in rural areas. Promoting healthy urban forests was one of the priorities of King County’s 30-Year Forest Plan and aligns with the county’s Extreme Heat Mitigation Strategy, each of which include actions that will contribute to creating healthier communities.

“From reducing heat islands to cleaning our air and water, trees are essential to the health and livability of our communities,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “King County has promoted healthy, resilient forests in rural areas for decades, an inspiring achievement for environmental stewardship. Now we’re applying a science-based, community-informed approach in urban unincorporated areas so that more kids and families can experience the benefits of healthy tree canopy.” Read more or view the video below.