Bainbridge Island council passes ordinance to protect large trees

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Washington – The Bainbridge Island City Council in western Washington has passed an emergency ordinance to protect landmark trees that carries a $25,000 fine.

The Kitsap Sun reported in a story Friday that the new ordinance requires the city council to vote to approve the removal of any landmark tree on Bainbridge Island.

Landmark trees are defined by the species and the diameter of the tree 4.5 feet above the ground. Most of the species in the ordinance are not protected if they have a diameter below 2.5 feet.

To remove large, landmark trees, a property owner must submit an application to the city planning director who will make a recommendation to the city council.