During the week of May 28, several community members contacted the City Manager and City Council regarding planned removal of a large Madrone tree located within a subdivision in the Wing Point area. Upon further investigation, it became clear that the Bainbridge Island Municipal Code did not include any language to prohibit removal of signature or legacy trees outside of the Mixed Use Town Center.

Members of the City Council and of the community have asked for regulations to be developed, which will provide protection for large, historic, landmark type trees. During the June 5, 2018 Study Session, City Council reviewed draft language for an ordinance to protect legacy or heritage trees. City Council directed the City Manager to draft an ordinance for consideration at the June 26, 2018, Business meeting. 

This ordinance is intended to be a stop gap measure to protect large trees that are important to the character of the community until such time that a more comprehensive ordinance can be developed. One of the significant elements of this ordinance is that the City Council will be required to vote to approve removal of any tree that meets the definition of a Landmark Tree.