Executive/Council Action Form (ECAF)
ITEM TITLE:
Title
Motion 26-229, approving and authorizing the Executive to execute the Department of Natural Resources LiDAR Cost Sharing Agreement and related intergovernmental services agreements with participating cities
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DEPARTMENT: DCNR-OES
ORIGINATOR: Brandi Spores
EXECUTIVE RECOMMENDATION: Approved by Tom Teigen 5/31/26
PURPOSE: The purpose of this action is to enable Snohomish County to advance its urban tree canopy goals by securing high-resolution LiDAR data needed for accurate canopy mapping, stormwater analysis, and broader urban forestry planning. This includes authorizing the County Executive to execute the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) LiDAR cost-sharing agreement and to enter into related intergovernmental services agreements with participating cities so that all jurisdictions can access the data and contribute to shared project costs.
BACKGROUND: Snohomish County has identified the expansion and long-term stewardship of its urban tree canopy as an important component of environmental health, climate resilience, stormwater management, and overall community well-being. These priorities are reflected in the Natural Environment Element of the County's 2024 Comprehensive Plan, which outlines goals and objectives for strengthening tree canopy coverage in urban areas.
To support these objectives, the County is working toward a more comprehensive approach to urban forestry planning. This includes improving data collection, conducting detailed mapping and analysis, expanding stewardship programs, and increasing opportunities for public participation. High-resolution LiDAR data has been identified as a key tool for this work, as it provides accurate information about existing tree canopy conditions and can also support stormwater-related assessments on County-owned and County-operated properties.
The County has already secured funding for LiDAR acquisition through the Salmon Recovery Through Loc...
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