# Managing City Forests and Fighting Pollution: A Monday Morning Committee Session ## Meeting Overview On the morning of August 11, 2025, Bellingham's Public Works and Natural Resources Committee convened for a brief but substantive session focused on two distinctly different environmental stewardship issues. Chair Hannah Stone led the committee through discussions on forest management in the city's watershed lands and a pollution prevention partnership with the state, with the meeting wrapping up in just fifteen minutes. The committee faced a staffing adjustment when regular member Lisa Anderson was absent, but Dan Hammill joined remotely to ensure a full quorum. The efficient handling of both agenda items reflected the straightforward nature of the proposals, though the discussions revealed the complex considerations underlying the city's environmental management responsibilities. ## The North Beaver Preserve Forest Thinning Project The committee's primary focus was a request to authorize direct negotiations with Janicki Logging and Construction Company for a timber harvest at the North Beaver Preserve, a 160-acre city-owned property on the north side of Galbraith Mountain. This request represented an unusual procurement approach that required careful explanation from staff. Mike Parelskin, the city's new superintendent of natural resources maintenance, outlined the ecological challenges facing 80 acres of Douglas fir plantation within the preserve. "This stand of trees is overplanted and would normally be pre-commercially harvested for pulp trees," he explained to the committee. "However, over time the trees have grown and they are large enough now to be milled up as dimensional lumber." The overcrowding has created significant forest health problems. Parelskin described how the excessive density has reduced the "live crown ratio" - the proportion of green foliage to overall tree height - while eliminating understory growth and structural diversity essential for watershed protection. The stress on the forest ecosystem was evident in slow growth rates and vulnerability to root rot. The proposed thinning would reduce tree density from approximately 250 trees per acre to 150, increasing spacing from 13 feet to 18 feet between trees. This represents a careful approach to forest management, with staff indicating that a second harvest would likely be needed in three to ten years. "It is a standard practice to thin slowly and monitor the response of the trees post-harvest," Parelskin noted, emphasizing the importance of ensuring stand resilience and preventing problems like wind throw or overexposure to light. Council Member Dan Hammill, participating remotely, raised several pointed questions about the city's role in the harvest. He sought clarification on access rights, asking whether the city had obtained permission to use the haul route that traverses three private properties. Staff confirmed that while the city has legal access to the property, it lacks truck route access for timber hauling - a key factor necessitating the direct negotiation with Janicki Logging, which already has agreements with the neighboring landowners. Hammill also inquired about the city's input on which trees would be preserved. Parelskin assured the committee that the city maintains a detailed prescription for the harvest, developed with forestry consultants to "keep the trees that add complexity, habitat and overall protection of water quality. So generally that means keep the biggest trees and the ones that kind of add the most value to our mission." The flexibility built into this approach became clear when Hammill asked about the target of 150 trees per acre. "It's fluid," Parelskin confirmed, explaining that keeping one larger tree might require removing several smaller ones to protect the larger tree's root system. The unusual procurement process - bypassing competitive bidding for direct negotiations - was justified by the access challenges unique to this site. As Deputy Director Mike Olinger explained, "Traditionally we would come before council with a bid award for this. And so we're looking for an alternative procurement process, purchasing process for this specific activity because of the lack of access to this property." The committee approved the authorization unanimously, with Council Member Jace Cotton making the motion. The revenue from the timber sale, to be determined through negotiations, will be reinvested in the watershed management fund. ## State Partnership for Pollution Prevention The second agenda item involved renewing a long-standing partnership with the Washington State Department of Ecology for pollution prevention assistance to small businesses. Public Works Director Joel Pfundt presented this as a continuation of successful collaboration dating back to 2008, though this agreement represents the first time the city has received over $250,000 in state funding for the program. The $255,740.70 in funding will support 1.25 full-time equivalent city employees who work directly with small businesses on proper waste management, spill prevention, and pollution reduction. An additional $13,500 provides direct financial assistance for businesses to purchase modernized equipment and safer industrial materials. Pfundt outlined several specific focus areas for the program over the next two years. The city will work with multifamily properties in the Whatcom Creek watershed to address pet waste management, directly responding to the Environmental Protection Agency's approval of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for fecal coliform bacteria in Whatcom Creek. The city anticipates that its 2029 Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit will include requirements to meet the bacteria reduction targets established in the TMDL. Downtown businesses will receive attention through the "Shut the Lid" program, helping them understand proper waste bin usage and materials. The program will also work with restaurants on managing fats, oils, and grease disposal - issues that affect both water quality and sewer system operations. Chair Stone raised a related concern about potential human waste contamination in Whatcom Creek, particularly given the downtown location and the presence of unhoused community members. While not directly covered by this specific agreement, her question highlighted the interconnected nature of urban water quality challenges that the city must address comprehensively. Stone noted that while this funding increase is "exciting especially during times of a tight budget," it reflects the growing recognition of the program's value. The committee approved the authorization for the mayor to sign the agreement unanimously. ## Efficient Government in Action The meeting demonstrated efficient government operations at the committee level. Both items involved ongoing city responsibilities - forest stewardship and pollution prevention - that require consistent attention and periodic renewal of authorities and agreements. The questions from committee members showed engaged oversight without unnecessary delay of straightforward proposals. Chair Stone's management of the meeting kept discussions focused while allowing for substantive questions. The presence of subject matter experts like Parelskin, who brought detailed technical knowledge to bear on forest management questions, illustrated how the city's reorganization of its natural resources functions is working in practice. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m., fifteen minutes after it began, with both items unanimously recommended for full council approval that evening. The committee's work exemplified the preparation and efficiency possible when staff provide clear presentations and committee members come prepared with relevant questions. This brief Monday morning session addressed two important aspects of Bellingham's environmental stewardship - active management of watershed forests for long-term ecological health and partnership with state agencies to prevent pollution at its source. Both reflect the city's commitment to protecting the natural systems that define the community's character and support its residents' quality of life.

### Meeting Overview The Bellingham City Council Public Works and Natural Resources Committee met on August 11, 2025, with Chair Hannah Stone presiding. Committee member Lisa Anderson was absent, but Council member Daniel Hammill joined remotely. The committee considered two items: authorization to negotiate a surplus timber sale for forest thinning at the North Beaver Preserve, and an interagency agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology for pollution prevention assistance funding. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Lake Whatcom Land Acquisition and Preservation Program (LWLAPP):** City program that manages over 3,500 acres in the Lake Whatcom watershed to protect water quality, including the 160-acre North Beaver Preserve. **Surplus Timber Sale:** A process allowing the city to sell timber from city-owned forest land through negotiated contracts rather than competitive bidding, authorized under specific circumstances in municipal code. **Forest Thinning:** Selective removal of trees to improve forest health by reducing overcrowding, increasing spacing from 13 feet to 18 feet between trees, and reducing density from 250 to 150 trees per acre. **Live Crown Ratio:** The proportion of a tree's height that contains living branches with green foliage—reduced when trees are overcrowded and competing for sunlight. **Pollution Prevention Assistance Partnership:** A voluntary program where the city partners with the Washington State Department of Ecology to provide technical assistance to small businesses on proper waste management and pollution prevention. **Small Quantity Generators:** Businesses that generate less than 220 pounds of dangerous waste per month and qualify for pollution prevention assistance visits. **Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL):** A regulatory standard that establishes the maximum amount of pollutants a water body can receive while still meeting water quality standards—Whatcom Creek has a TMDL for fecal coliform bacteria. **BMC 4.86:** Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 4.86 governing surplus property procedures that allows negotiated sales when competitive bidding is not practical due to access or other constraints. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Hannah Stone | Committee Chair, First Ward Council Member | | Jace Cotton | Committee Member, At-Large Council Member | | Daniel Hammill | Third Ward Council Member (participating remotely) | | Mike Olinger | Deputy Director of Public Works | | Mike Parelskin | Superintendent of Natural Resources Maintenance | | Joel Pfundt | Public Works Director | ### Background Context The North Beaver Preserve represents city-owned watershed land that was previously managed as a commercial Douglas fir plantation but is now overstocked and unhealthy. The 80 acres of Douglas fir plantation requires thinning to improve forest health, but the property has challenging access issues requiring hauling routes through three private properties. Rather than conducting a competitive bid process, staff recommended negotiating directly with Janicki Logging and Construction Company, which already has agreements with neighboring property owners for timber hauling access. The pollution prevention assistance program has been operating since 2008 as a partnership between the city and the state Department of Ecology. The program funds city staff to visit small businesses and provide education on proper waste management, spill prevention, and pollution control. This funding agreement exceeded the $250,000 threshold requiring council authorization for the first time, providing $255,740.70 for 1.25 full-time equivalent positions and $13,500 for direct business assistance. ### What Happened — The Short Version The committee unanimously approved both agenda items after brief staff presentations and limited discussion. For the timber sale, staff explained that the North Beaver Preserve's Douglas fir stand is overstocked and unhealthy, requiring thinning from 250 trees per acre down to 150 trees per acre. Due to access challenges involving private property haul routes, they recommended negotiating directly with Janicki Logging rather than conducting competitive bidding. For the pollution prevention program, staff explained that the two-year funding agreement provides resources for existing staff to work with small businesses on waste management and pollution prevention, with focus areas including pet waste management in the Whatcom Creek watershed and downtown business waste management. ### What to Watch Next - Contract negotiations between the city and Janicki Logging for the timber sale terms and pricing - City Council consideration of both items at the evening meeting on August 11, 2025 - Implementation of the pollution prevention program's focus on pet waste management in multifamily properties to address Whatcom Creek bacteria issues - Potential second timber harvest at North Beaver Preserve in 3-10 years depending on forest response to initial thinning ---

**Q:** What is the size of the North Beaver Preserve that requires forest thinning? **A:** 160 total acres, with 80 acres of Douglas fir plantation requiring thinning. **Q:** What is the target tree density after thinning at North Beaver Preserve? **A:** Reduce from 250 trees per acre to 150 trees per acre, increasing spacing from 13 feet to 18 feet between trees. **Q:** Why can't the city use competitive bidding for the timber sale? **A:** Access challenges—the haul route crosses three different private properties, and only Janicki Logging has agreements with these neighbors. **Q:** Who is Mike Parelskin? **A:** Superintendent of Natural Resources Maintenance under Public Works, newly moved to the operations division. **Q:** How long has the city been participating in the pollution prevention assistance partnership? **A:** Since 2008, through multiple two-year agreements with the Washington State Department of Ecology. **Q:** What is the total funding amount for the pollution prevention program? **A:** $255,740.70 for staffing plus $13,500 for direct business reimbursements, totaling $269,240.70. **Q:** What are the main focus areas for pollution prevention assistance in this contract? **A:** Multifamily properties in Whatcom Creek watershed for pet waste management and downtown businesses for waste management. **Q:** What municipal code authorizes the negotiated timber sale? **A:** Bellingham Municipal Code Chapter 4.86 regarding surplus property procedures. **Q:** How many full-time equivalent positions does the pollution prevention funding support? **A:** 1.25 FTE positions for pollution prevention assistance specialists. **Q:** What committee members were present at this meeting? **A:** Chair Hannah Stone, Jace Cotton in person, and Daniel Hammill participating remotely. **Q:** What happened to the live crown ratio in the overstocked forest? **A:** It was greatly reduced when trees grow too close together, with less green foliage relative to overall tree height. **Q:** What environmental issue is driving focus on Whatcom Creek? **A:** A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for fecal coliform bacteria approved by EPA in September 2023. **Q:** When might a second timber harvest be needed at North Beaver Preserve? **A:** In 3 to 10 years, as it's standard practice to thin slowly and monitor tree response. **Q:** What tree species will be harvested in the thinning project? **A:** Only Douglas fir trees will be cut to increase biodiversity by preserving other species. **Q:** What was the vote on both agenda items? **A:** Both items passed unanimously 3-0 with committee members present. **Q:** What does LWLAPP manage? **A:** Over 3,500 acres in the Lake Whatcom watershed for water quality protection. **Q:** Why is this the first time the pollution prevention agreement required council approval? **A:** It exceeded the $250,000 threshold for the first time in the program's history. **Q:** What problems result from overstocking in the Douglas fir plantation? **A:** Reduced live crown ratio, no understory, lack of structural diversity, slow growth, and vulnerability to root rot. **Q:** What specific pollution prevention programs will be implemented downtown? **A:** "Shut the lid" program for waste management and education on proper waste bin materials. **Q:** Who will the city negotiate the timber contract with? **A:** Janicki Logging and Construction Company Incorporated. ---