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Tree Board flags possible state cut to urban-forestry funding as session nears end
Summary
Members heard that the Washington House budget proposal would eliminate funding for the Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forestry program; board members agreed to monitor the final budget before the session ends next week and consider possible advocacy.
Members of the Lake Forest Park Tree Board raised an alert about the state budget: the Washington House budget proposal reportedly cuts funding for the Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forestry program, which provides pass-through support for local urban forestry projects.
A board member summarized coverage they had seen and offered to circulate a KUOW piece. The board noted the legislative calendar: the state legislative session was approaching adjournment and the governor retains line-item veto authority, so final outcomes would be uncertain until the budget is signed.
Board members discussed what that cut might mean locally: Lake Forest Park has not recently drawn on that specific DNR pass-through funding but the program supports many community forestry efforts statewide, and board members suggested monitoring the final budget and, if desired, coordinating brief advocacy to state legislators. A volunteer (Josh) was offered to help coordinate any outreach.
Members did not take a formal vote on advocacy during the meeting. Instead they agreed to track the final budget over the coming week and to raise the issue again if the final budget eliminates funding.
