Committee amends and advances woodland and wildlife conservation changes after extensive debate on equity, reforestation funding and developer relief

Summary

CB 46, which would alter parts of the county’s Woodland and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Ordinance, was advanced as amended after a lengthy hearing with planning, environment and outside stakeholders expressing concerns about canopy loss, state compliance and fee use; the committee adopted sponsor amendments and moved the bill out 4‑0.

The Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee advanced CB 46 (as amended) on June 9, 2025 after an extended hearing that drew planning staff, the Department of the Environment, conservation groups, and developers to testify on tradeoffs between tree canopy preservation and redevelopment in transit‑oriented areas.

What the bill would change: The measure proposes revisions to Subtitle 25 (Trees and Vegetation) and would, among other changes discussed in committee, (1) adjust the ordinance’s treatment of certain transit‑oriented centers and a definition referenced as a “qualified project,” (2) reintroduce an exemption threshold for small residential construction activity, and (3) change allowable uses for Woodland Conservation Fund monies and the fee‑in‑lieu language. Sponsor and staff outlined a list of specific edits; during the hearing the sponsor proposed amendments that the committee adopted and which the sponsor committed to include in an updated Draft 2 prior to introduction.

Key context and conflict: Planning staff and the Department of the Environment warned that the proposed changes could increase canopy loss, exacerbate tree inequity in areas…

Committee amends and advances woodland and wildlife conservation changes after extensive debate on equity, reforestation funding and developer relief

Summary

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