Washington State's Urban Forestry Program Faces Cuts
Seattle News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · The Daily News Now!
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Washington States House Budget Proposal Threatens Urban Forestry Program: A Potential Disaster for Low-Income Communities
The House budget proposal in Washington state is set to slash funding for the Department of Natural Resources urban and community forestry program, totaling $1.8 million next fiscal year and $3 million the following biennium. This initiative, established 35 years ago, supports tree planting and maintenance in cities and towns, relying on state money from the cap-and-trade program to match federal grants. Without this state support, the program cannot retain staff or qualify for federal funds, reversing years of growth.
Department leaders were surprised by the House move, with no prior warnings or discussions. The cuts would disproportionately affect low-income and vulnerable communities, where trees help combat urban heat islands during extreme weather. The Senate budget maintains funding, creating a significant difference as lawmakers negotiate the final plan. Advocates hope for a compromise to preserve the program, which fulfills a 2021 law mandating aid to underserved areas and a statewide tree inventory.
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