07/14/2026
One image changed the way I thought about Bellingham's Landmark Tree Ordinance.
When I began researching this project, I realized that many people, including those who support the ordinance and those who oppose it, had very different understandings of what it actually affects.
This graphic isn't intended to persuade anyone.
It's simply intended to help visualize the scale of the protection areas compared to the average 5,800-square-foot Bellingham residential lot.
One thing that surprised me during my research was that the City's planning analysis identified more than 150,000 large trees on private property that are likely affected.
Whether you support the ordinance, oppose it, or are still learning about it, I hope this graphic helps provide context before we make long-term decisions that will shape our neighborhoods for generations.
What's your biggest takeaway after looking at this graphic?
