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Urban Forestry Administration Reorganization Act

On Sept. 20, 2011, Councilmember Phil Mendelson introduced the Urban Forestry Administration Reorganization Act of 2011 (B19-484) to address shortcomings of the Urban Forest Preservation Act (UFPA) of 2002. Due to mismanagement of the UFPA and its Tree Fund, thousands of trees intended to replace Special Trees — those 55 inches in circumference or greater — removed from public and private lands were never planted.

On Dec. 7, 2011, Casey Trees Executive Director Mark Buscaino and supporters from the community gave testimony at a public hearing held by the District Council’s Committee on the Environment, Public Works and Transportation on our recommendations proposed for tree bill.

Our Recommendations

  1. Reduce the size limit for trees covered by the UFPA from 55 inches to 29 inches in circumference.
  2. Modify the mitigation alternatives for trees removed under the UFPA to an exclusive fee-based system and allow these fees to support proven tree planting programs and contractors.
  3. Increase the removal fee from $35 per circumference inch to $40 per circumference inch to account for tree planting cost increases from the time the UFPA was passed.
  4. Specify within the UFPA where replacement trees must be planted — on private lots when trees are removed from private lots; on public space when trees are removed from public space.
  5. Allow city inspectors to deny permits for individuals seeking to remove a tree if the reason given is arbitrary. Establish guidelines for allowable and non-allowable reasons for healthy Special Tree removal.
  6. Streamline the inspection procedure to reduce burdens on city staff by relying on third party inspectors as the city currently does for building review and inspection.
  7. Create a division within the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) to monitor, enforce and administer the UFPA and Tree Fund.
Read the full brief explaining our recommendations.

How to Help

We urge D.C. residents and business owners to submit letters of support to the Committee on the Environment, Public Works and Transportation’s five members — Mary M. Cheh, Yvette Alexander, Muriel Bowser, Jim Graham and Tommy Wells. Please send us a copy of any correspondence that you submit to members of the D.C. Council.

Additionally, encourage your friends, family and peers to attend and submit letter of support. Donations of any amount to support our advocacy work are welcome.

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