### Meeting Overview The Sehome Hill Arboretum Board of Governors met on November 21, 2024, with five members present to form a quorum. The meeting featured presentations from Western Washington University's Ecological Restoration Club about proposed restoration work and trail improvements, along with a significant decision to conditionally approve publication of a new student-run arboretum website. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Sehome Hill Arboretum Board of Governors (SHABOG):** Joint board with representatives from both the City of Bellingham and Western Washington University that oversees management of the Sehome Hill Arboretum. **Invasive Species:** Non-native plants that spread aggressively and harm local ecosystems. English ivy and Siberian elm are major concerns in the arboretum. **Interlocal Agreement:** The formal agreement between the City of Bellingham and Western Washington University that establishes how the arboretum is jointly managed. **Jersey Street Trail:** A heavily used commuter trail connecting Jersey Street to Western's campus that experiences severe mudding during wet weather. **Stormwater Detention Vault:** An underground structure that manages runoff water from development projects, with specific restrictions on what vegetation can be planted above it. **Society for Ecological Restoration:** A professional organization that Western's student club has joined to connect with restoration practitioners regionally and globally. **Trail Classification:** City system that distinguishes between natural surface trails (dirt/mulch) and improved trails (gravel/limestone) with different maintenance requirements and permitting needs. **Open Meeting Laws:** Legal requirements that government body decisions must be made in public meetings, affecting how the board can vote on website approval. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | John Tuxel | Board Chair, Western Washington University | | Caleb Barville | Executive Director, WWU Ecological Restoration Club | | Steve | City of Bellingham Parks Department | | Wayne Galloway | Western Facilities, Trail Maintenance | | Tracy Rogstad | Western Representative | | David Engebretson Jr. | Web Communications, WWU | | Travis | Board Member | | Jenna Kelling | Board Member | | Nick | Board Member | ### Background Context The Sehome Hill Arboretum is a unique partnership between the City of Bellingham and Western Washington University, managed under a formal interlocal agreement. The 180-acre forested area serves both as a natural preserve and as a heavily used connection between the university and surrounding neighborhoods. The board faces ongoing challenges balancing conservation goals with heavy public use, particularly from students commuting to campus. The Jersey Street Trail has become a critical commuter route, with over 500 people using it daily during the academic year. However, the natural surface becomes severely muddy during Bellingham's wet season, creating both user experience and environmental concerns. Meanwhile, invasive species like English ivy continue spreading throughout the arboretum, requiring sustained removal efforts. ### What Happened — The Short Version The meeting began with Western's new Ecological Restoration Club presenting their goals for invasive species removal and native plant restoration in the arboretum. Led by executive director Caleb Barville, the club is seeking board approval for restoration work, particularly along trails where English ivy is abundant. The board was enthusiastic about partnering with the student group, connecting them with existing city programs and campus tool resources. The club also raised concerns about Jersey Street Trail conditions, proposing gravel improvements to address chronic mudding. This sparked extensive discussion about trail classifications, permitting requirements, and maintenance costs. While supportive of addressing the problem, board members noted that adding gravel could trigger stormwater permits and change the trail's natural designation. A major portion of the meeting focused on approving a new student-developed website for the arboretum. After four years of development, David Engebretson Jr. requested permission to publish the site so students could showcase their work. Following discussion about clear labeling as a student project and avoiding confusion with official city information, the board conditionally approved publication pending final review via email by December 6th. The board also received updates on the ongoing Longhouse construction project, including completion of new sidewalks and upcoming reopening of lower trails, though new parking areas will remain closed for construction staging. ### What to Watch Next - **December 6th deadline** for board email vote on website publication after reviewing David's revisions - **January 2025 meeting** to discuss Siberian elm control options and finalize land acknowledgment revisions - **March 2025 timeframe** for potential joint restoration work party with city parks on South Bridge trail - **Spring 2025** planned invasive species removal projects with the Ecological Restoration Club ---