Forestry and Natural Resources Commission (FNRC)- Citizens appointed to provide advice to Board on these subjects. Two minutes each for public comments at the beginning of each meeting. You must sign up by noon that day to speak.

Agenda and links to meeting will be published at https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Commissions-and-Advisory-Groups/Forestry-and-Natural-Resources-Commission

In 202, the report from a citizen sponsored tree assessment found that the tree canopy in 2021 had decreased to 33% coverage overall compared to the 41% then advertised by the County. Subsequently, the County engaged consultants to prepare another study that came to a similar conclusion - 34% coverage. By using different methods to establish lower data points for prior years, the County falsely claimed that the canopy had grown or remained stable in different locations. The findings were the basis for the new Forestry and Natural Resources Plan (FNRP) for which information on implementation has not been made public..

During public comment, you can weigh in on the Plan and/or your personal experiences where the tree canopy is not prioritized, the need for space to be reserved for potential tree planting, the problems with increased lot coverage, the benefits of trees for storm water control benefits, and any other forestry concern you may have. Arlington’s Urban Forester is Vincent Verweij (vverweij@arlingtonva.us). The County Board liaison to the FNRC is JD Spain. The chair of the FNRC is Caroline Haynes.