Lake Forest Park confirms two tree board volunteers, expands membership

The Lake Forest Park City Council confirmed two volunteers to the city's Tree Board at its Jan. 8 meeting.

The council appointed Ross Barcelo Benton Benson to Tree Board position No. 1. Benson described community outreach ideas including a tree ‘orienteering’ activity to engage young people and neighborhood ivy-removal coordination. Benson said he participates in volunteer ivy-removal events and suggested coordinating with existing groups to mobilize volunteers.

Minda Martin introduced herself to the council as a Lake Forest Park resident who credited time among trees with helping her recovery from a 2019 concussion. Martin described plans to create short educational videos accessible via QR codes and to produce materials for real estate agents and residents to explain tree care and local tree codes. "I thought about, like, little short videos about different trees that you can access through, a link online or through a QR code," Martin said.

Councilmembers initially proposed Martin as an alternate, but a motion to amend the confirmation to appoint her as a full member passed after council discussion about upcoming vacancies on the board. The council then confirmed Martin’s full membership by voice vote.

Both appointees were welcomed by councilmembers who praised their outreach ideas and commitment to volunteer coordination. The confirmations were finalized by voice vote during the meeting.