In 2021, the Legislature passed House Bill 1216 (E2SHB 1216) which expanded 76.15 RCW and provided the Washington State Department of Natural Resources with direction to create the Evergreen Community recognition program. The Evergreen Community recognition program recognizes and celebrates Washington’s incorporated municipalities, counties, and Tribes for their commitments made to urban and community forestry, as well as their ongoing and planned efforts to intentionally manage of their urban forests.

 

 

Urban and community forestry is an incredibly important aspect of community planning, and is vital to the health of our communities today and in a changing climate. As Washington’s population continues to grow, successful management and enhancement of public trees and green spaces only become more vital. Becoming an Evergreen Community builds a partnership with each participating community with our statewide team, increases competitiveness for state funding across multiple agencies, and recognizes the local commitment to the health and resilience of our urban forests.  Learn more below and fill out an application to become a recognized Evergreen Community.

 

 

 

Tier One	Tier Two
Has a tree board or department Public tree care ordinance $2 per capita spent on your urban forest Observation & proclamation of Arbor Day Partial tree inventory	Has a tree board or department Public tree care ordinance $2 per capita spent on your urban forest Observation & proclamation of Arbor Day Partial tree inventory Urban Forest Management Plan (or equivalent*)

 

 

To help minimize obstacles, applications are accepted online on a rolling basis. Apply online anytime by clicking here.

 

However, there will be one official date of review per quarter. This creates time and space for each entity to complete the application during whichever season works best for them.

 

Applications will be reviewed by DNR staff each year on the following dates, starting in December 2024:

 

Becoming an Evergreen Community shows your commitment to your local urban and community forests, and recognition comes with a metal sign to hang in your community for display.  It also provides you with a committed partnership with state Urban Forestry staff including annual check-ins on goals and strategies.

 

 

The legislation that established the Evergreen Community recognition program also required specific funding programs across multiple state agencies in addition to Washington DNR to consider and/or provide preference to applicants recognized as Evergreen Communities.  Each agency maintains discretion for determining how applicants’ status as an Evergreen Community will be evaluated in grant review processes.  These agencies and associated programs identified in the legislation are below:

 

• RCW 89.08.520
• RCW 89.08.590

• RCW 70A.135.070

• RCW 43.155.120

• RCW 79.105.150
• RCW 79A.15.040
• RCW 79.105.630
• RCW 79A.15.150