Bill > B26-0178

This bill establishes the Natural Areas Conservation Program (NACP) within the District of Columbia's Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), creating a comprehensive framework for managing and preserving the city's natural areas. The program's key responsibilities include providing stewardship for District-owned natural areas, restoring ecological functions through integrated pest management and native plant cultivation, collaborating with other city departments and agencies like Transportation and Parks and Recreation, and developing partnerships with non-profit organizations and community groups. The bill requires DOEE to develop a detailed Natural Areas Stewardship and Invasive Plant Response Plan within 24 months, which must identify and map all natural areas in the District, outline strategies for promoting native plants and managing invasive species, assess potential conservation protections, and plan for low-impact recreational access. The legislation also defines several important terms, including "conservation easement," "integrated pest management," and "low-impact recreation," and provides the NACP with the authority to issue grants and develop memorandums of understanding with federal agencies like the National Park Service to support natural area stewardship. The bill aims to enhance environmental preservation, ecological health, and public engagement with the District's natural spaces.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0178