Senate Bill No. 289, File No. 305, proposes the creation of the Beneficial Arbor Retention Commission within the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, effective July 1, 2024. The commission will oversee the trees, shrubs, and vegetation in state parks and campgrounds and will include members appointed by various state officials. The bill requires the commission to consult with a designated arborist before authorizing the removal or pruning of vegetation, except in cases of immediate public hazard. In such cases, the arborist must consider several factors before proceeding with removal. The commission is also responsible for maintaining a record of removals on their website and submitting an annual report to the General Assembly's environmental committee.

Additionally, the bill repeals a previous requirement for a hazardous tree mitigation policy and introduces a tree replanting demonstration project at Housatonic Meadows State Park. It also requires a Certificate of Limited Effects for Arbor Non-Retainment to be obtained before using land clearing or grinding machinery for tree and vegetation management at Department of Transportation maintenance or construction projects. The commissioner will consider environmental factors when issuing the certificate and may prescribe conditions for machinery use. The bill's provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2024, and October 1, 2024, and it is anticipated to incur significant costs starting in FY 25.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 23-4c
ENV Joint Favorable: 23-4c
File No. 305: 23-4c