Keeping Seattle Green: A Partnership Renewed

Mayor Greg Nickels today signed an agreement with the Cascade Land Conservancy to extend a nationally-recognized partnership to maintain and improve Seattle’s green spaces.

The Green Seattle Partnership was formed in 2004 to restore 2,500 acres of forested parkland by 2025.  The unique public/private effort is the largest urban forest restoration project in the nation, and has been duplicated in other cities such as Tacoma and Kirkland.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed today between the city of Seattle and Cascade Land Conservancy extends the partnership to 2013.

“It’s great to work with Cascade Land Conservancy to make sure the Emerald City stays green,” said Nickels. “This is a long-term effort to ensure the preservation of our urban forests for current and future generations.”

To date, the Green Seattle Partnership has begun restoration on more than 375 acres of forested parkland.  Green Seattle Partnership volunteers have donated more than 150,000 hours of service and planted more than 14,000 trees. Cascade Land Conservancy raised about $2.5 million in private donations.

“Restoring forested parklands with volunteers in neighborhoods throughout Seattle improves our infrastructure and strengthens the social fabric of the city,” said Gene Duvernoy, president of Cascade Land Conservancy. “The Green Seattle Partnership is a great example of a clear path toward a strong future.”

In 2009, the Green Seattle Partnership will begin restoration on 100 additional acres with the support of 75,000 volunteer hours.