(1) The State Forestry Department shall acquire and maintain a statewide urban tree canopy assessment tool.

(2) The assessment tool must provide geospatial mapping that includes:

(a) A visualization of urban tree canopies, viewable at the census tract level;

(b) Community demographic, economic, social and health data;

(c) A comprehensive inventory of tree canopies on public lands;

(d) Rights of way and their associated jurisdictions;

(e) An urban green space assessment that includes an evaluation of vegetation health and a comparison of pervious surfaces to impervious surfaces within the green space; and

(f) An assessment of tree canopy and green space in the urban-rural gradient.

(3) The department may integrate the urban tree canopy assessment tool with data from other agency mapping tools, including the environmental justice mapping tool developed pursuant to ORS § 182.555.

(4) The department shall make the urban tree canopy assessment tool available on a website maintained by the department, along with guidance for using the tool to promote environmental, social and economic well-being.

(5) Using the urban tree canopy assessment tool, the department shall designate as green infrastructure improvement zones areas of this state that have a high level of poverty density and any of the following:

(a) Low levels of tree canopy cover;

(b) Poor vegetation health;

(c) High risk of pests, disease or other threats to plant life; or

(d) Other needs for revegetation or holistic native plant restoration. [2023 c.442 § 28]

526.520 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS Chapter 526 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

OREGON FOREST RESOURCES INSTITUTE

(Generally)