The Washington State Department of Natural Resources marked the start of Washington Urban and Community Forestry Month on Tuesday with the official launch of the Evergreen Community Recognition Program during an event held at Renton City Hall.

 

The Evergreen Community Recognition Program is a new, statewide initiative to recognize and celebrate the incorporated municipalities, counties, and Tribes for their demonstrated commitment to maintaining and improving the urban and community forests under their jurisdictions.

 

Participants can achieve two distinct tiers of Evergreen Community status by taking actions that emphasize the importance of urban tree inventories, urban forest management plans, and outreach to vulnerable populations. Specific requirements include enacting a public tree care ordinance and spending at least $2 per capita on urban forests.

 

“Today’s launch of our Evergreen Community Recognition Program is a long time coming,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “Over the past eight years, we have made urban and community forestry a priority here in Washington state like never before. Urban trees are no longer just nice to have; they are a must in every neighborhood from Seattle to Spokane. I’m proud to have overseen such a remarkable transformation in how we take care of our urban forests here in the Evergreen State.”

 

Evergreen Community status holders are also entitled to increased consideration or preference as applicants for several state grant programs administered by DNR, the Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington State Department of Commerce, Washington State Conservation Commission, and Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

 

The framework for the program was first laid with the passage of the Evergreen Communities Act (ECA) in 2008 – state legislation for which the attached funding was lost due to the economic crisis that same year. The ECA was resurrected and updated in 2021 via House Bill 1216 sponsored by Rep. Bill Ramos. The legislation expanded the scope of DNR’s urban and community forestry program and established new criteria for the Evergreen Community Recognition Program.

 

The legislation also came with $2.7 million in state funding, which DNR has leveraged with federal funds to award record-setting amounts of grant funding for urban forestry projects across Washington.

 

“This is a necessary program born out of necessary legislation,” Rep. Ramos said. “When I served on the Issaquah City Council, we were learning in real time that we didn’t have the expertise to manage our green spaces in the best way. I want everyone in Washington to have access to the best practices and resources for long-term management of their urban forests. The Evergreen Community Recognition Program is a way for everyone to access those tools via DNR.”

 

The launch event Tuesday included a tour of Philip Arnold Park in Renton. The city recently completed a large-scale renovation of the park that prioritized the preservation and enhancement of landscapes with older trees and other accessible green spaces.

 

“The city places high importance on its urban forest management and we view it truly as an essential public service," said Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone. “Our recognition as an Evergreen Community highlights Renton's deep commitment to creating a greener, healthier, and more sustainable environment. Together, we've planted strong roots, and together, we will ensure that Renton continues to thrive as a vibrant, sustainable community for years to come.”

 

Joining Renton in the inaugural Evergreen Community cohort are Ellensburg, Lake Forest Park, and Walla Walla.

 

Tuesday also marked the beginning of Urban and Community Forestry Month in Washington state. Click here to view the proclamation signed by Gov. Jay Inslee

 

Click here to visit EvergreenWashington.com for more information about the Evergreen Communities Recognition Program.

 

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Communications Manager

360-902-1000

dnrnews@dnr.wa.gov