1. Stormwater Management Credits for Tree Preservation and Planting
Arlington County Government
Jason Papacosma, Watershed Programs Manager July 18, 2019

2. Overview
Urban trees have well-established benefits for the hydrologic cycle
Urban trees are not accounted for in Virginia’s stormwater management compliance framework and computations
Not a land cover option or a stormwater best management practice (BMP)
A potential tool to add to the compliance toolbox and incentivize tree preservation and planting

3. Crediting Complexities
Functionality changes over time and space
New trees vs mature trees
Lot level vs watershed scale
Future mortality and lost functions/credits

4. Recommendation
Virginia DEQ study to determine how these practices could be incorporated into VRRM computations as land cover type and/or BMP
Build upon the research and recommendations EPA Chesapeake Bay Program and others (e.g., Center for Watershed Protection)
Convene a stakeholder group
Develop recommendations and specifications