Legislation that directs the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to provide urban tree canopy inventory and technical support to local governments, including accessing carbon markets, has passed the House.

HB 1216, requested by DNR and sponsored by Rep. Bill Ramos (D–Issaquah), was introduced last year; it almost crossed the finish line but stalled in the final days. This year, the goal of the bill is unchanged: to revitalize and modernize the decade-plus old urban and community forestry program. The Legislature first created the tree inventory program under the Evergreen Communities Act just before the Great Recession hit and it was never fully funded. Urban tree canopies reduce stormwater pollution and address air pollution and climate change by sequestering carbon—a topic receiving much attention in the Legislature this session.

HB 1216 directs DNR to do the following:

• Identify priority regions for the implementation of urban forestry programs. Priority must be determined through reviewing health disparity mapping tools and salmon and orca recovery data.
• Conduct analyses of the needs and opportunities of urban forestry in Washington by assessing tree canopy cover and urban forestry inventory data and completing a statewide inventory. Inventory data must be maintained and periodically updated.
• Ensure that tools developed are compatible with existing and developing urban forest carbon market reporting protocols.
• Provide technical assistance to local governments on management plans and tree program ordinances.

A floor amendment would allow a property owner to opt out of a city’s tree program with notice to the city.

The state-funded inventory data will be an important tool for cities to understand the value of their city trees as carbon sinks, among many other benefits city trees provide residents. However, a floor amendment would allow a property owner to opt out of a city’s tree program with notice to the city. Please let AWC know if the provision is a concern to your city, as it may undercut tree retention requirements and the potential for city-based carbon sinks.

Dates to remember

HB 1216 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks Committee on Tuesday, March 16 at 1:30 pm and scheduled for vote on Thursday, March 18, at the same time.