Bill highlights: Protecting Virginia’s trees

This year there are several bills that would better protect Virginia’s trees and the wildlife that depends on them. 

HB 309: Forest Conservation Act from Delegate Hope

From development to logging to climate change, there are many threats to our forests. This bill would assess the health of Virginia’s forests and identify the top threats they are facing. This would also allow for better planning in establishing wildlife corridors and conserving important old growth trees in Virginia.

Update: HB 309 passed the General Assembly and was approved by the Governor!

HB 459 and SB 121 from Delegate Sullivan and Senator Subramanyam

These bills would encourage and incentivize developers to protect old trees and maintain newer trees in development. 

Update: This set of bills passed the General Assembly and were approved by the Governor!

HB 529 from Delegate Hope

This bill gives localities more authority to increase tree canopy or replanting during development. Tree canopies provide many benefits to localities and this bill would give localities more authority to require replacement trees to deal with runoff, heat and erosion. 

Update: HB 529 passed the General Assembly but unfortunately was vetoed by the Governor. 

Let your legislators know you support these bills! There are many ways to get involved and let your voice be heard. Check out our General Assembly guide for how you can get involved.