Environmental commitment

Environmental commitment

The Port substantively complies with all applicable federal, state and local requirements to the extent practicable; plants up to four trees for every tree removed or contributes to a jurisdiction’s tree planting fund; abides by critical area ordinances for trees in wetlands and buffer areas; and implements actions according to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

Environmental best management practices are an integral part of the Flight Safety Corridor Program’s overall design. The following objectives are used by the Port to ensure that individualized removal and replanting plans are carefully executed and consistent with the environmental characteristics of each location.

Removal and Reforestation Objectives

Photo showing crews planting trees.

Minimize disturbance and stabilize sites quickly
  • Prohibit vehicles or ground disturbance in wetlands
  • Leave stumps in place in wetlands and steep slopes
  • Leave vegetative buffers near streets and buildings
  • Protect existing native vegetation
  • Implement construction best management practices (spill prevention, erosion control, machinery leaks)
  • Plant extra trees to account for expected planting mortality
  • Avoid construction during bird nesting period
Avoid creating future aviation hazards
  • Replant densely to prevent future obstructions from establishing
  • Ensure the expected height of replanted trees will not result in future obstructions
  • Ensure replanted areas do not create wildlife hazards to aviation safety
Improve overall site function by restoring native forest and shrub communities
  • Meet or exceed minimum tree replacement requirements
  • Remove and control invasive species
  • Replant native species
  • Replant trees and shrubs densely
  • Replant a diversity of species
  • Minimize potential impacts to ongoing obstruction management

Photo showing crews planting trees.

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