This bill establishes a reforestation grant program in Washington State aimed at addressing the increasing threat of catastrophic wildfires and their impact on forest health and carbon sequestration. It recognizes the need for a state-level initiative similar to the federal REPLANT Act, which focuses on reforestation efforts in national forests. The program will be administered by the Department of Natural Resources and will provide funding to public, private, and nonprofit landowners for replanting burned forestlands. The bill outlines specific criteria for grant eligibility, including cost-sharing requirements, prioritization of direct reforestation efforts, and considerations for environmental justice.

Additionally, the bill appropriates a total of $20 million from the natural climate solutions account to support the reforestation grant program and postfire reforestation efforts on state-managed forestlands. This funding is intended to expedite the recovery of forest ecosystems affected by wildfires and other natural disasters, ensuring that reforestation efforts are climate-informed and sustainable. The legislation emphasizes the importance of restoring the ability of these lands to sequester carbon and enhance biodiversity, ultimately contributing to the state's broader climate change mitigation goals.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.65.270