Sehome Hill Arboretum Board of Governors

**Trail Management Standards and Permitting:** The Jersey Street trail improvement proposal sparked extensive discussion about trail classification systems and regulatory constraints. Steve Nyman explained that adding gravel to natural surface trails triggers stormwater permits due to impervious surface thresholds, and would reclassify trails requiring different maintenance standards. Wayne Galloway noted budget implications for both initial installation and ongoing resurfacing requirements. The board grappled with balancing high commuter usage demand against maintaining natural trail character and avoiding regulatory complexity. **Student Website Authority and Maintenance:** The website approval process revealed tension between supporting student success and maintaining institutional control over pub…

**Caleb Barville (WWU Ecological Restoration Club Executive Director):** Advocated strongly for weekly invasive species removal work in the arboretum, focusing on English ivy along major trails. Presented detailed analysis using 2014 invasive species distribution maps and emphasized club's partnership with LEAD and sustainability goals. Also pushed for Jersey Street trail gravel surfacing to address chronic muddy conditions affecting 500+ daily commuters. **David Engebretson Jr. (Western Web Communications):** Emphasized student success and portfolio development benefits of publishing the website after four years of development work. Highlighted accessibility expertise and compliance with Western's accessibility standards. Expressed frustration with delays preventing graduating students from showcasing their work…

**Caleb Barville, on trail conditions:** "I've been walking on this trail for 4 years and over the last 4 years I have noticed some slumping... it takes like at least 2 weeks of no rain for it to become not mud." **Steve Nyman, on permitting challenges:** "One word that comes into my mind. Storm water, because gravel placing gravel on a dirt trail. If you hit a certain threshold, it triggers a storm water permit, because it's impervious." **David Engebretson Jr., on website delays:** "It's b…

The board established a formal approval process for the first student-created supplementary website for the arboretum, setting precedent for academic partnerships while maintaining institutional oversight. The WWU Ecological Restoration Club gained official recognition and support from the board, expanding the arboretum's volunteer restoration capacity beyond existing city-led programs. A new collaborative framework emerged between Western students, city parks staff, and Western facilities for invasive species management, mo…

### Meeting Overview The Sehome Hill Arboretum Board of Governors met on November 21, 2024, with five members present to form a quorum. The meeting featured presentations from Western Washington University's Ecological Restoration Club about proposed restoration work and trail improvements, along with a significant decision to conditionally approve publication of a new student-run arboretum website. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Sehome Hill Arboretum Board of Governors (SHABOG):** Joint board with representatives from both the City of Bellingham and Western Washington University that oversees management of the Sehome Hill Arboretum. **Invasive Species:** Non-native plants that spread aggressively and harm local ecosystems. English ivy and Siberian elm are major concerns in the arboretum. **Interlocal Agreement:** The formal agreement between the City of Bellingham and Western Washington University that establishes how the arboretum is jointly managed. **Jersey Street Trail:** A heavily used commuter trail connecting Jersey Street to Western's campus that experiences severe mudding during wet weather. **Stormwater Detention Vault:** An underground structure that manages runoff water from development projects, with specific restrictions on what vegetation can be planted above it. **Society for Ecological Restoration:** A professional organization that Western's student club has joined to connect with restoration practitioners regionally and globally. **Trail Classification:** City system that distinguishes between natural surface trails (dirt/mulch) and improved trails (gravel/limestone) with different maintenance requirements and permitting needs. **Open Meeting Laws:** Legal requirements that government body decisions must be made in public meetings, affecting how the board can vote on website approval. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | John Tuxel | Board Chair, Western Washington University | | Caleb Barville | Executive Director, WWU Ecological Restoration Club | | Steve | City of Bellingham Parks Department | | Wayne Galloway | Western Facilities, Trail Maintenance | | Tracy Rogstad | Western Representative | | David Engebretson Jr. | Web Communications, WWU | | Travis | Board Member | | Jenna Kelling | Board Member | | Nick | Board Member | ### Background Context The Sehome Hill Arboretum is a unique partnership between the City of Bellingham and Western Washington University, managed under a formal interlocal agreement. The 180-acre forested area serves both as a natural preserve and as a heavily use…