I am concerned with the recent update that would impact the longevity of Spokane 's natural spaces. While I appreciate a focus on increasing housing I fear the approach will have a negative impact on core parts of what makes Spokane great. Below are concerns that I agree with.
1. Support Tree and Natural Land Inventory: Spokane has a tree canopy goal of 30% and strong support for natural land protection without adequate codes. An inventory of trees, natural areas, wildlife habitat is necessary to inform the critical areas code. The Growth Management Act requires protection of critical areas, forests, habitat and natural lands.
2. Support an enforceable critical areas ordinance is required to protect critical areas, trees, habitat, water quality, etc. There are unprotected natural lands throughout the City as shown in Exhibit 3.3-3 below.
3. Oppose the blanket Environmental Review exemption in order to protect critical areas such as wetlands, forests, wildlife habitat and riparian areas in neighborhoods. Exhibit 7 below shows all neighborhoods will be exempted from environmental review in two phases.
4. Support environmental review exemption only if 100% disturbed and impervious as identified in the Draft EIS Exhibit 3.1-3. Existing Hard (Impervious) Surfaces included below.
5. Support the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board’s recommended Policy Land Use & Zoning 2-4 [“Protect, restore, acquire, and maintain urban agricultural lands, urban forests, critical areas, shorelines, habitats, and open spaces as interconnected natural systems that provide flood protection, heat reduction, and carbon sequestration benefits, including through codes, capital investments, and regional partnerships.
Todd Taylor
Feb 18, 2026
Local Resident
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To whom it concerns,
I am concerned with the recent update that would impact the longevity of Spokane 's natural spaces. While I appreciate a focus on increasing housing I fear the approach will have a negative impact on core parts of what makes Spokane great. Below are concerns that I agree with.
1. Support Tree and Natural Land Inventory: Spokane has a tree canopy goal of 30% and strong support for natural land protection without adequate codes. An inventory of trees, natural areas, wildlife habitat is necessary to inform the critical areas code. The Growth Management Act requires protection of critical areas, forests, habitat and natural lands.
2. Support an enforceable critical areas ordinance is required to protect critical areas, trees, habitat, water quality, etc. There are unprotected natural lands throughout the City as shown in Exhibit 3.3-3 below.
3. Oppose the blanket Environmental Review exemption in order to protect critical areas such as wetlands, forests, wildlife habitat and riparian areas in neighborhoods. Exhibit 7 below shows all neighborhoods will be exempted from environmental review in two phases.
4. Support environmental review exemption only if 100% disturbed and impervious as identified in the Draft EIS Exhibit 3.1-3. Existing Hard (Impervious) Surfaces included below.
5. Support the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board’s recommended Policy Land Use & Zoning 2-4 [“Protect, restore, acquire, and maintain urban agricultural lands, urban forests, critical areas, shorelines, habitats, and open spaces as interconnected natural systems that provide flood protection, heat reduction, and carbon sequestration benefits, including through codes, capital investments, and regional partnerships.
Best,
Todd.