City seeks urban forestry grant

The City of Oak Harbor is hoping to receive approximately $100,000 to improve its urban greenery.

By Luisa Loi • January 5, 2024 1:30 am
Hal Ramaley Park in Oak Harbor might see some improvements thanks to a grant the city is applying for. (Photo by Luisa Loi)
Hal Ramaley Park in Oak Harbor might see some improvements thanks to a grant the city is applying for. (Photo by Luisa Loi)

The City of Oak Harbor is hoping to receive approximately $100,000 to improve its urban greenery.

During a meeting on Jan. 2, the Oak Harbor City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign a Washington State Department of Natural Resources grant application for the Community Forestry Assistance Program. The grant supports local jurisdictions in improving and protecting urban trees, increasing canopy cover and improving public engagement.

Parks and Recreation is requesting $93,500 for three projects — Harbor Heights, Freund Marsh and Hal Ramaley Memorial Park Food Forest — plus $9,350 to cover administrative costs, totalling $102,850. No matching funds are required.

Parks and Recreation Director Brian Smith told the council that the grant would supplement the $1.68 million grant that the department was awarded through the Inflation Reduction Act.

Furthermore, he said the three projects are serving as placeholders in the application, meaning that the city may spend those funds for other projects as well if the forestry management plan that will be developed this year establishes different priorities. Still, Smith said, he expects at least some improvements to be done to all three projects.

If the city does invest the funds as stated in the grant application, improvements would include: removing invasive species, restoring native species, adding interpretive signs, restoring the food forest and creating educational trails, among other ideas.

Councilmember Jim Woessner said that there needs to be a long-range plan to ensure the food gardens are well maintained instead of being invaded by weeds.

Councilmember Bryan Stucky said he doesn’t believe that the Freund Marsh and Hal Ramaley Memorial Park Food Forest are necessary projects, but he is in support of the grant as long as there won’t be a need for additional funding from the city budget.

The grant is supported by the Whidbey Island Conservation District, Imagine a Permaculture World, Oak Harbor Garden Club and the Oak Harbor School District.