BELLINGHAM, Wash. — As Michael Feerer walks the woods near his Bellingham home, he worries about what he sees.
Large, older growth trees are being cut down left and right, including a 50-acre clear cut by a developer looking to sell.
"There have been a lot of very large trees that have been cut and lost over time," said Feerer, executive director of the Whatcom Million Trees Project.
That's why Michael, and many others, what protections for those trees.
They want Bellingham to designate most trees with a diameter of at least 36 inches as "landmark trees" that can't be cut down without special permission.
"We have to keep these big ones around," said Feerer. "They must be in the mix to make sure we have enough climate resilience in our community."
Property owners, however, fear losing the freedom to do what they want with their land — like build an addition or add a mother-in-law apartment.
A landmark tree could complicate or cut down those plans all together.
But Feerer said people do have options.
"There is always an 'out' that the city can rule for 'fair use' that the tree will be removed. So, it's its not like it's an iron clad law that prevents development," said Feerer.
The situation started when the City of Bellingham started discussing laws to protect older growth trees. Fearing legislation that could hinder development, some property owners started cutting down trees that would be protected as a preemptive strike before the law could take effect.
That prompted the city to enact a six month emergency ordinance preventing the cutting of those trees, which is currently in effect.
Then there is is issue of affordable housing.
Developers say forcing them to build around certain trees would add time and expense to an already desperate situation.
A recent Zillow survey found Bellingham to be the 31st least affordable city in the entire country.
"We know there is a need for housing in this community at all levels of the spectrum, affordable housing and housing in general," said Bellingham Director of Planning and Community Development, Blake Lyon.
Lyon said the city is focusing on the big picture and will not miss the forest for the trees.
"A key component to this whole thing is to find the appropriate balance." he said.
This city is currently having conversations with developers and environmentalists and will revisit the ordinance in April.