HCR 40 Summary

• Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources and other state agencies to work with committed community groups to co-steward community forests on public lands

• Recognizes Governor Josh Green's proclamation of 2025 as the Year of Our Community Forests

• Identifies health, environmental, and economic benefits provided by trees and community forests, including stress reduction, improved air and water quality, habitat preservation, and increased property values

• Notes that the State manages over 700,000 acres of public forest reserve lands in addition to other public lands with trees

• Requires certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Chairperson and Board members of the Board of Land and Natural Resources