Office of Natural Area Conservation Establishment Act of 2023

The Office of Natural Area Conservation Establishment Act of 2023 establishes an office in the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) responsible for maintaining District-owned and -managed forested natural areas and forest patches in coordination with DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division (UFD). UFD will retain its current responsibilities as the District’s arborists while this new office will focus on the invasive plant species that often surround and threaten the health of our trees and forests – a role not currently held by any specific agency or office.

Healthy forests provide unique benefits for District residents and our surrounding environment. They help improve the air we breathe, lower temperatures, reduce pollution, promote wildlife, and can serve as a respite from urban life. Casey Trees estimates that there are approximately 500 acres of District-owned forested natural areas – located primarily on DPR-managed lands.