THE LEAFLET

This has been an exciting and busy year for tree legislation in the District full of highs (emergency protections for Special and Heritage Trees passed) and lows (the knowingly illegal felling of a Heritage Tree in Takoma).

 As a reminder, Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh introduced the Urban Forest Preservation Stop Work Order Authority Emergency Amendment Act of 2022, which unanimously passed the Council on March 1. This win authorizes the city to issue stop-work orders for development projects when a Heritage or Special Tree is threatened to be cut down illegally. With this emergency legislation, we’ve closed a loophole allowing DC’s urban foresters the ability to enforce the law actively and proactively save our Special and Heritage Trees. 

For another reminder, Heritage trees are those over 100 inches in circumference. Special Trees are those 44 to 99 inches in circumference.  

The only slight downside – this legislation is a stop-gap measure until a permanent bill is passed that may include heftier penalties for those intentionally violating the law.  A permanent version of the bill is currently going through the legislative process.

 Thankfully District officials are continuing the momentum. Councilmember Robert White and colleagues, including Councilmembers Cheh, Lewis George, Pinto, Henderson and Nadeau, recently introduced a bill to strengthen Tree Preservation Plans and protect trees in public spaces – the Protecting the Urban Tree Canopy Amendment Act of 2022. 

Specifically, the bill elaborates on the details of Tree Preservation Plans to define and include Critical Root Zones, and ensures these plans are approved before  construction permits are issued.  It also extends these protections and more to city owned trees and land. These additions and refinements are important to continually push for detailed, thorough, thoughtful preservation plans so large, mature trees can survive construction.  It also shows the District will lead by example and protect trees on city property – not just private property – so all mature trees can continue to flourish.

Contact advocacy@caseytrees.org if you’d like to join us in supporting tree protection legislation. Stay tuned to our weekly newsletter the Leaflet for ongoing coverage of tree legislation in the District. You can also plant a tree with us! DC needs everyone to play their part – and the best thing you can do is plant a tree on your property.