Washington’s Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forestry program faces potential elimination under the state House’s budget proposal, a change that agency officials say would dismantle decades of environmental work and jeopardize millions in federal matching dollars. According to reporting by Washington State Standard, the House proposal would cut $1.8 million for the upcoming fiscal year and $3 million for the following biennium, effectively zeroing out the program’s core funding. DNR communications manager Will Rubin told the outlet, “It’s not a reduction. It’s an elimination,” noting that the agency had not anticipated such a move. ([washingtonstatestandard.com](https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/27/urban-tree-funding-axed-in-wa-house-budget-proposal/?utm_source=openai))

The Urban and Community Forestry program, operating for more than three decades, assists communities statewide with tree inventories, management plans, canopy expansion, and climate‑resilience initiatives. Without state matching funds or staff resources, DNR warns that approximately $5.5 million in federal grants supporting urban forestry projects could fall through. Projects funded in recent years have ranged from tree‑planting initiatives in Snoqualmie to invasive‑species management efforts in Mason County. These grants, DNR says, often support lower‑income areas disproportionately affected by heat islands. ([washingtonstatestandard.com](https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/27/urban-tree-funding-axed-in-wa-house-budget-proposal/?utm_source=openai))

Local jurisdictions in Southwest Washington, including communities in Cowlitz County, have historically benefited from federal urban‑forestry dollars tied to state matching requirements. While specific project impacts in Longview or Kelso have not yet been detailed by the state, the loss of eligibility for federal support could stall ongoing planning, limit tree‑canopy maintenance, and delay resilience projects intended to address rising temperatures and urban environmental stresses.

Concerns about the proposed cuts extend beyond canopy maintenance. A statement released by the Department of Natural Resources emphasized that the elimination of the program would also undermine compliance with statewide environmental‑justice mandates. Commissioner Dave Upthegrove noted that cutting the program would halt community‑based environmental‑health initiatives in marginalized communities across Washington, urging legislators to reconsider the funding removal. The DNR statement also warned that broader reductions to recreation and environmental‑justice programs would affect residents statewide. ([dnr.wa.gov](https://dnr.wa.gov/news/2026/commissioner-upthegrove-applauds-restoration-wildfire-funding-urges-legislature-reconsider-cuts?utm_source=openai))

Advocates and local agencies note that the House proposal stands in contrast to the Senate budget plan, which maintains current funding levels. The two chambers will need to reconcile their proposals in the coming weeks. For now, urban‑forestry supporters across the state—including municipal leaders, conservation districts, and volunteer groups—are watching closely as lawmakers negotiate the final budget, mindful that decisions made in Olympia may reshape the future of urban canopy support across Washington.

Sources:
Washington State Standard: Urban tree funding axed in WA House budget proposal
Washington State Department of Natural Resources: Commissioner Upthegrove urges reconsideration of cuts
The Urbanist: ‘Existential’ budget cut would wipe out state urban forestry program