Program of assistance related to loss of tree canopy. (1) The State Forestry Department shall develop and implement a program to provide technical and financial assistance to public bodies as defined in ORS 174.109, tribal governments, watershed councils as defined in ORS 541.890 and community-based organizations for planning for, responding to and recovering from damage to habitats and urban tree canopies due to pests, diseases or other natural or human-created conditions that lead to loss of tree canopy, including but not limited to

(a) Emerald ash borer infestation;

(b) Japanese beetle infestation;

(c) Sudden Oak Death;

(d) Pine bark beetle infestation;

(e) Climate change;

(f) Drought; or

(g) Wildfire.

(2) The program may include, but need not be limited to, assistance for:

(a) Vulnerability assessments;

(b) Tree inventories;

(c) Response and recovery plan development;

(d) Community engagement and community-led strategies; and

(e) Tree removal and replanting with species that are resistant to disease, pest and drought.

(3) The department shall coordinate with the State Department of Agriculture to support program activities related to any pests or diseases subject to quarantine under the laws of this state or of the United States. [2023 c.442 §29]

PENALTIES