(1) The department shall manage the application and evaluation of candidates for evergreen community designation.

(2) The department shall develop the criteria for an evergreen community designation program. Under this program, the state may recognize as an evergreen community a city, county, or area of tribal land that has developed an excellent urban forest management program.

(3) Designation as an evergreen community must include no fewer than two graduated steps. The department may require additional graduated steps and establish the minimum requirements for each recognized step.

(a) The first graduated step of designation as an evergreen community includes satisfaction of the following requirements:

(i) The development and implementation of a tree board or tree department;

(ii) The development of a tree care ordinance;

(iii) The implementation of an urban forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2.00 for every city resident;

(iv) Official recognition of arbor day; and

(v) The completion of or update to an existing urban forest inventory for the city, county, or tribal land, or the formal adoption of an inventory developed for the city, county, or tribe by the department.

(b) The second graduated step of designation as an evergreen community includes the adoption of an urban forestry management plan. The management plan must:

(i) Exceed the minimum standards determined by the department; and

(ii) Incorporate meaningful community engagement from vulnerable populations located in the area so needs and priorities of these communities inform implementation of the plan.

(4) The department shall develop gateway signage and logos for an evergreen community.

(5) The department may consult with the department of commerce in carrying out the requirements of this section.

Findings—Intent—2021 c 209: See note following RCW 76.15.005.

Short title—2008 c 299: See note following RCW 76.15.020.