[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs font_icon=”5||divi||400″ use_custom_home_link=”off” admin_label=” ” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”b7c43f60-75e9-4a7e-bf2f-65bf47312a20″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”31f15a8b-e4c9-42e2-8f09-798e59199e63″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Urban Forest Protection<\/h1>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”e3c9ad65-46ae-46c4-9590-83946bf853a6″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs font_icon=”5||divi||400″ use_custom_home_link=”off” admin_label=” ” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”fc5b20a0-0ab0-4fc2-b5e0-6b7a2afa37d8″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”28px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”45px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
What is an urban forest?
<\/strong><\/h3>\nSeattle’s urban forest is made up both native and non-native tree species growing on many different types of land, including parks, businesses, personal yards, school campuses, and all long our city streets. Currently, the overall canopy cover in Seattle sits at about 28.1%, down from\u00a0 28.6% in 2016. Seattle’s street trees alone make up around a quarter of our city’s canopy cover, and represent more than 600 different species. Seattle’s parks contribute significantly to canopy cover; while they occupy\u00a0 about 9% of the city’s land area, they support nearly 20% of our canopy cover. The remaining roughly 58% of Seattle’s urban canopy is rooted on private propery.<\/p>\n
See Seattle’s 2021 Tree Canopy Cover Assessment<\/a> for more details on canopy cover distribution and trends.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UrbanForestFacts.png”<\/a>; alt=”An infographic showing that there are an estimated 968,000 trees in Seattle, that city-wide tree canopy cover in Seattle is 28%, and that canopy is in decline, with 255 acres of tree canopy lost between 2016 and 2021.” title_text=”UrbanForestFacts” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nThe benefits of urban forests
<\/strong><\/h3>\nTrees in urban areas are critical for the wellbeing of city dwellers. Trees play an important role in community resilience to impacts of climate change like heat domes and urban flooding. They improve air quality diminished by pollution and wildfire. Urban forests also provide essential habitat for urban wildlife to feed, take shelter, and raise their young.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Urban Forestry Priorities at Birds Connect Seattle<\/h3>\n
Birds Connect Seattle works to protect our urban tree canopy through a multi-faceted approach. This includes:<\/p>\n
1) Providing policy and technical guidance to urban forest managers through public processes (e.g., commenting on Seattle’s Urban Forest Management Plan);<\/p>\n
2) Co-leading the Tree Equity Network<\/a> with Seattle Parks Foundation to strengthen relationships and coordinate work among government, nonprofit, and activist groups;<\/a><\/p>\n2) Advocating for tree canopy protection and enhancement in important urban wildlife habitat areas and neighborhoods with low canopy cover; and<\/p>\n
3) Educating the community about the importance of trees for people, wildlife, culture, and climate resilience.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
How you can help<\/h3>\n
We all have a responsibility to protect and grow our urban forest in an equitable way accross the city. Keep an eye on our Conservation Advocacy page<\/a> for opportunities to advocate on behalf of our local tree canopy.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/BCS_CMT-Fence_Blog.png”<\/a>; alt=”The scene next to a culturally modified tree in the Wedgwood neighborhood. The chainlink fence in front of the tree is covered with signs urging that this and all trees be saved. In front are scatterings of flower pedals, in the middle of which someone placed a bouquet in a clear glass vase.” title_text=”BCS_CMT Fence_Blog” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”8px” custom_margin=”-21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nWestern Red Cedar protection in Wedgwood | Glenn Nelson<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1372″ active_link_color=”#000000″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_text_color=”#000000″ menu_line_height=”1.2em” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; ||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto; ||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold; ” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%; ” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto; ||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto; ||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”#FFB98C” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nNews & Stories<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1381″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_more=”on” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”1.2em” body_font=”Archivo||||||||” body_text_color=”#000000″ meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”#79736C” border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Trees provide tremendous climate resilience and habitat value in our cities. Birds Connect Seattle is working to protect our urban forests through advocacy, education, and leadership roles. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787298,"featured_media":11928,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"Pesticide Use\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_enable_color=\"off\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/6780475512_b2da304a3f_o1.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\"]
Title \/ Photographer \/ Audubon Photography Awards<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"||7px|||\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Pesticides and Birds<\/h4>\n
While most of us are familiar with the ban of DDT, a wide variety of pesticides used today are dangerous or toxic to birds. The cost in bird and other wildlife losses due to pesticide use<\/a> in the United States is approximately 2.2 billion dollars annually. Herbicides, insecticides, and anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are a serious concern in urban areas, as they significantly impact the food and habitats that birds depend on.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]Pesticides of Concern<\/strong><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"1115.9px\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_accordion_item title=\"Anticoagulant Rodenticides\" open=\"on\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]Anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) are pesticides commonly used to kill rodents. These chemicals are ingested by rodents, typically via a bait that they find appealing. ARs work by preventing blood from clotting which causes a poisoned animal to bleed to death internally<\/a>. While a single dose is enough to kill a rat, a rat may feed at a bait repeatedly, increasing the concentration of poison in its body. It can take several days for a poisoned rodent to die, during which it will continue to live, travel, and feed.<\/p>\nThis is where birds, as well as other wildlife and pets enter the picture. Pesticides meant to control rodents enter the food chain. Urban raptors like Cooper\u2019s Hawks and Barred Owls, which play an important role in urban rodent control and thrive in cities, are non-target species affected by ARs. \"Non-target species,\" or animals impacted by rodenticides not intended for them, may feed on a rat dying from rodenticide. Bioaccumulation of AR due to ingestion of poisoned rats can eventually build to lethal levels for these birds; this is called secondary poisoning. According to the Urban Raptor Conservancy<\/a>, \u201cWorldwide, all studies that have tested dead animals for exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides in liver tissue show strong evidence of poisoning in birds and mammals (Quarles 2011).\u201d<\/p>\nThroughout the Seattle area, bait boxes containing anticoagulant rodenticide can be found along city streets, in yards, parks, and on school properties. Before any building can be demolished within Seattle City limits, the property owner must first complete a rat abatement certification process<\/a>, where bait boxes are placed around the property for a minimum of 15 days. ARs are everywhere.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Aud_APA-2018_Short-eared-Owl_A1-6804-1_KK_Photo-Susan-Ward-300x240.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Short-eared Owl\/Susan Ward\/Audubon Photography Awards<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/b><\/h4>\nRodenticide-free solutions<\/b><\/h4>\n\n- Remove potential food sources:<\/strong><\/span> keep pet food indoors and ensure trash can and yard waste\/compost bins have tightly fitting lids.<\/li>\n
- Eliminate rat nesting spots:<\/strong><\/span> remove places that rats may hide such as stacks of cardboard, wood, or other human-made debris piles on your property. Ensure there are no entry points for rats in your home.<\/li>\n
- Mind your vegetation:<\/strong><\/span> rats also nest in ivy and blackberry thickets. Remove these invasive species and plant native vegetation that will attract a variety of wildlife and be less appealing to rats.<\/li>\n
- Use alternative lethal control methods:<\/strong> <\/span>Though these traps require dealing with dead rats up close, they are more humane and likely preferable to a poisoned rat dying in your home or killing birds via secondary poisoning. Snap-traps and CO2<\/sub> powered traps are used without toxic chemicals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=\"Applied Herbicides\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" open=\"off\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]
Herbicides, often used near roots or sprayed directly onto plants to remove invasive species or weeds, can harm birds by reducing food resources and contaminating habitat. Bird species that rely on berries and seeds like the Cedar Waxwing are at risk for herbicide consumption. Unlike humans, birds cannot read signs warning of herbicide application and may ingest food from a recently sprayed plant.<\/p>\n
Additionally, herbicides pollute bodies of water such as lakes and streams. Most commonly, they enter surface water in runoff or leachate. T<\/span>he runoff from herbicides degrades the surrounding vegetation that provides habitat and food for many bird species. The US EPA has stated<\/a> that \"herbicides may contribute to other stressors (e.g., instream habitat alteration via riparian devegetation),\" listing further impacts on ecosystems birds rely on. <\/span>Though acute toxicity to animals is likely only when they are applied in sufficient quanities, several types of herbicides bioaccumulated in fish populations, which are then eaten by\u00a0 birds like gulls, osprey, and terns.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/APA_2016_Osprey_Jim_Verhagen_KK-300x268.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Osprey\/Jim Verhagen\/Audubon Photography Awards<\/span><\/h6>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\nHerbicide-free solutions<\/b><\/h4>\n\n- Do some research on \"weeds\" you find:<\/strong><\/span> they may not be weeds at all. Resist applying herbicides to native species, rather attempt to pull, replant, or manually discard unwanted plants. The Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board has an easy to use tool<\/a> to help identify weeds.<\/li>\n
- Manually remove and prevent unwanted plants:<\/strong><\/span> while removing some plants is tricky, there are several strategies<\/a> that may be used independently or in combination to combat weeds or invasives. After removing unwanted vegetation, plant native species in their place to help prevent regrowth.<\/li>\n
- Use a natural \"herbicide\":\u00a0<\/strong>alternative options exist. Corn gluten, boiling water, or diluted rbbing alcohol are effective weed killers<\/a> for use in yards and other green spaces.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=\"Insecticides\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" open=\"off\"]
Though the use of insecticides is predominately used in the agricultural industry, the effects also impact urban environments. With numerous farmland bird populations declining<\/a>, the concern with the overuse of insecticides applies to a wide range of native bird species.<\/p>\nNeonicotinoids, or neonics for short, are a category of insecticide that have been found to directly impact bird species<\/a>. For migrating birds, opportunities to feed are crucial during their stop-overs. When a bird consumes fruit or seed from an area treated with neonics, the bird may experience adverse effects such as weight loss<\/a>, which can weaken the bird and delay the rate at which they migrate<\/a>, especially in songbirds.<\/p>\nWhen insecticides are used on a residential scale, such as on the exterior of a home, dead insects may litter the area near the application site. Birds that find insects dead from insecticides such as wasp spray, ingest them without knowing the toxicity of the chemicals responsible for the insect's death. Additionally, spraying insecticide and ridding a yard of insect species including bees and other pollinators removes the foundation of food webs for birds and wildlife.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Insecticide-free solutions<\/b><\/h4>\n\n- Try a natural insect repellant:<\/strong><\/span> using soap spray or diatomaceous earth for the exterior of homes, and neem oil<\/a> for gardens and yards can provide safer alternatives to chemical-based insecticides.<\/li>\n
- Reconsider your relationship with bugs:<\/strong><\/span> remember how important bees and other pollinators are to food webs. 96% of terrestrial birds feed insects to their young<\/a>. Spraying for bugs in a yard can wipe out food resources for feathered friends. No bugs means no baby birds.<\/li>\n
- Be mindful of how your food is grown:<\/strong><\/span> if you are able to select your own food to purchase, consider buying certified organic produce, which is required to be grown on land free from insecticides for at least three years. For tips on growing your own food, visit Seattle Audubon's page Habitat at Home<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"]
Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Seattle Audubon Capitol Hill Connections: https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/our-work\/conservation\/urban-conservation\/capitol-hill-connections\/<\/a><\/li>\n
- Urban Raptor Conservancy: https:\/\/urbanraptorconservancy.org\/research\/rodenticides-in-raptors-project\/<\/a><\/li>\n
- PAWS: https:\/\/www.paws.org\/wildlife\/<\/a><\/li>\n
- King County Public Health: https:\/\/www.kingcounty.gov\/depts\/health\/environmental-health\/animals\/rat-prevention.aspx<\/a><\/li>\n
- Preferred Pest Control Products: https:\/\/www.raptorsarethesolution.org\/preferred-pest-control-products\/<\/li>\n<\/ul>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Aud_Plants-for-Birds_Bushtit_Oregon-Grape_Photo-Luke-Franke_005.jpg\" title_text=\"Aud_Plants-for-Birds_Bushtit_Oregon Grape_Photo-Luke-Franke_005\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"17.2px\" custom_margin=\"-30px|||||\"]
Bushtit\/ Luke Franke\/ Audubon<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_menu _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_button button_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/our-work\/conservation\/urban-conservation\/bird-safe-cities\/\" url_new_window=\"on\" button_text=\"Bird - Safe Cities\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"|46px||||\"][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button url_new_window=\"on\" button_text=\"Urban Hazard Reduction Page\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"|2px||||\"][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_cta title=\"Found a dead or injured bird?\" button_url=\"https:\/\/dbird.org\/\" url_new_window=\"on\" button_text=\"Click Here\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" width=\"99.1%\" custom_margin=\"|-44px||||\" custom_padding=\"|28px||||\" link_option_url_new_window=\"on\"]Report on dBird, the bird mortality database.<\/p>[\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"2\" include_categories=\"1369\" excerpt_length=\"30\" show_author=\"off\" show_date=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_pagination=\"off\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-11925","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n
Urban Forest Protection - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Trees provide tremendous climate resilience and habitat value in our cities. Birds Connect Seattle is working to protect our urban forests through advocacy, education, and leadership roles.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/urban-forest-protection\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Urban Forest Protection - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Trees provide tremendous climate resilience and habitat value in our cities. 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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/UrbanForestFacts.png”<\/a>; alt=”An infographic showing that there are an estimated 968,000 trees in Seattle, that city-wide tree canopy cover in Seattle is 28%, and that canopy is in decline, with 255 acres of tree canopy lost between 2016 and 2021.” title_text=”UrbanForestFacts” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Trees in urban areas are critical for the wellbeing of city dwellers. Trees play an important role in community resilience to impacts of climate change like heat domes and urban flooding. They improve air quality diminished by pollution and wildfire. Urban forests also provide essential habitat for urban wildlife to feed, take shelter, and raise their young.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Birds Connect Seattle works to protect our urban tree canopy through a multi-faceted approach. This includes:<\/p>\n 1) Providing policy and technical guidance to urban forest managers through public processes (e.g., commenting on Seattle’s Urban Forest Management Plan);<\/p>\n 2) Co-leading the Tree Equity Network<\/a> with Seattle Parks Foundation to strengthen relationships and coordinate work among government, nonprofit, and activist groups;<\/a><\/p>\n 2) Advocating for tree canopy protection and enhancement in important urban wildlife habitat areas and neighborhoods with low canopy cover; and<\/p>\n 3) Educating the community about the importance of trees for people, wildlife, culture, and climate resilience.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We all have a responsibility to protect and grow our urban forest in an equitable way accross the city. Keep an eye on our Conservation Advocacy page<\/a> for opportunities to advocate on behalf of our local tree canopy.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/BCS_CMT-Fence_Blog.png”<\/a>; alt=”The scene next to a culturally modified tree in the Wedgwood neighborhood. The chainlink fence in front of the tree is covered with signs urging that this and all trees be saved. In front are scatterings of flower pedals, in the middle of which someone placed a bouquet in a clear glass vase.” title_text=”BCS_CMT Fence_Blog” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”8px” custom_margin=”-21px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Western Red Cedar protection in Wedgwood | Glenn Nelson<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1372″ active_link_color=”#000000″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_text_color=”#000000″ menu_line_height=”1.2em” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” text_orientation_tablet=”” text_orientation_phone=”center” text_orientation_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; ||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto; ||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold; ” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%; ” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto; ||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto; ||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px||0px|10px|false|false” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/news\/”<\/a>; border_color_all=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”#FFB98C” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blog posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”1381″ excerpt_length=”50 ” show_more=”on” show_author=”off” show_categories=”off” use_overlay=”on” module_class=”related-articles” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_level=”h3″ header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”1.2em” body_font=”Archivo||||||||” body_text_color=”#000000″ meta_text_align=”left” meta_line_height=”0.5em” pagination_font=”|700||on|||||” pagination_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”rgba(164,158,151,0.1)” text_orientation=”left” width=”100%” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|15px|10px|15px|false|false” border_color_bottom_fullwidth=”#79736C” border_radii_image=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” border_color_all_image=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-405d6fe8-9099-495a-9678-080b9c7ff306%22:%91%22border_color_bottom_fullwidth%22%93}”][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Trees provide tremendous climate resilience and habitat value in our cities. Birds Connect Seattle is working to protect our urban forests through advocacy, education, and leadership roles. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787298,"featured_media":11928,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\" custom_margin=\"||-65px|||\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"340px\" custom_margin=\"|auto|4px|auto||\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_enable_image=\"off\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||-1px||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"Pesticide Use\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.45)\" text_border_radius=\"3px\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_enable_color=\"off\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/6780475512_b2da304a3f_o1.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\" sticky_transition=\"on\"][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"0px\"] Title \/ Photographer \/ Audubon Photography Awards<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.7.4\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"||7px|||\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"] While most of us are familiar with the ban of DDT, a wide variety of pesticides used today are dangerous or toxic to birds. The cost in bird and other wildlife losses due to pesticide use<\/a> in the United States is approximately 2.2 billion dollars annually. Herbicides, insecticides, and anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are a serious concern in urban areas, as they significantly impact the food and habitats that birds depend on.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"2_3\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"] Pesticides of Concern<\/strong><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" min_height=\"1115.9px\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_accordion_item title=\"Anticoagulant Rodenticides\" open=\"on\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"] Anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) are pesticides commonly used to kill rodents. These chemicals are ingested by rodents, typically via a bait that they find appealing. ARs work by preventing blood from clotting which causes a poisoned animal to bleed to death internally<\/a>. While a single dose is enough to kill a rat, a rat may feed at a bait repeatedly, increasing the concentration of poison in its body. It can take several days for a poisoned rodent to die, during which it will continue to live, travel, and feed.<\/p>\n This is where birds, as well as other wildlife and pets enter the picture. Pesticides meant to control rodents enter the food chain. Urban raptors like Cooper\u2019s Hawks and Barred Owls, which play an important role in urban rodent control and thrive in cities, are non-target species affected by ARs. \"Non-target species,\" or animals impacted by rodenticides not intended for them, may feed on a rat dying from rodenticide. Bioaccumulation of AR due to ingestion of poisoned rats can eventually build to lethal levels for these birds; this is called secondary poisoning. According to the Urban Raptor Conservancy<\/a>, \u201cWorldwide, all studies that have tested dead animals for exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides in liver tissue show strong evidence of poisoning in birds and mammals (Quarles 2011).\u201d<\/p>\n Throughout the Seattle area, bait boxes containing anticoagulant rodenticide can be found along city streets, in yards, parks, and on school properties. Before any building can be demolished within Seattle City limits, the property owner must first complete a rat abatement certification process<\/a>, where bait boxes are placed around the property for a minimum of 15 days. ARs are everywhere.<\/p>\n Herbicides, often used near roots or sprayed directly onto plants to remove invasive species or weeds, can harm birds by reducing food resources and contaminating habitat. Bird species that rely on berries and seeds like the Cedar Waxwing are at risk for herbicide consumption. Unlike humans, birds cannot read signs warning of herbicide application and may ingest food from a recently sprayed plant.<\/p>\n Additionally, herbicides pollute bodies of water such as lakes and streams. Most commonly, they enter surface water in runoff or leachate. T<\/span>he runoff from herbicides degrades the surrounding vegetation that provides habitat and food for many bird species. The US EPA has stated<\/a> that \"herbicides may contribute to other stressors (e.g., instream habitat alteration via riparian devegetation),\" listing further impacts on ecosystems birds rely on. <\/span>Though acute toxicity to animals is likely only when they are applied in sufficient quanities, several types of herbicides bioaccumulated in fish populations, which are then eaten by\u00a0 birds like gulls, osprey, and terns.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Though the use of insecticides is predominately used in the agricultural industry, the effects also impact urban environments. With numerous farmland bird populations declining<\/a>, the concern with the overuse of insecticides applies to a wide range of native bird species.<\/p>\n Neonicotinoids, or neonics for short, are a category of insecticide that have been found to directly impact bird species<\/a>. For migrating birds, opportunities to feed are crucial during their stop-overs. When a bird consumes fruit or seed from an area treated with neonics, the bird may experience adverse effects such as weight loss<\/a>, which can weaken the bird and delay the rate at which they migrate<\/a>, especially in songbirds.<\/p>\n When insecticides are used on a residential scale, such as on the exterior of a home, dead insects may litter the area near the application site. Birds that find insects dead from insecticides such as wasp spray, ingest them without knowing the toxicity of the chemicals responsible for the insect's death. Additionally, spraying insecticide and ridding a yard of insect species including bees and other pollinators removes the foundation of food webs for birds and wildlife.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n Bushtit\/ Luke Franke\/ Audubon<\/span><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_menu _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_button button_url=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/our-work\/conservation\/urban-conservation\/bird-safe-cities\/\" url_new_window=\"on\" button_text=\"Bird - Safe Cities\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"|46px||||\"][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button url_new_window=\"on\" button_text=\"Urban Hazard Reduction Page\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" custom_padding=\"|2px||||\"][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_cta title=\"Found a dead or injured bird?\" button_url=\"https:\/\/dbird.org\/\" url_new_window=\"on\" button_text=\"Click Here\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\" width=\"99.1%\" custom_margin=\"|-44px||||\" custom_padding=\"|28px||||\" link_option_url_new_window=\"on\"] Report on dBird, the bird mortality database.<\/p>[\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_blog posts_number=\"2\" include_categories=\"1369\" excerpt_length=\"30\" show_author=\"off\" show_date=\"off\" show_categories=\"off\" show_pagination=\"off\" _builder_version=\"4.9.7\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_blog][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-11925","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nThe benefits of urban forests
<\/strong><\/h3>\nUrban Forestry Priorities at Birds Connect Seattle<\/h3>\n
How you can help<\/h3>\n
News & Stories<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n
Pesticides and Birds<\/h4>\n
<\/p>\nShort-eared Owl\/Susan Ward\/Audubon Photography Awards<\/span><\/h6>\n
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Rodenticide-free solutions<\/b><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nOsprey\/Jim Verhagen\/Audubon Photography Awards<\/span><\/h6>\n
Herbicide-free solutions<\/b><\/h4>\n
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Insecticide-free solutions<\/b><\/h4>\n
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