Fairfax County is moving to dissolve its 53-year-old Tree Commission and fold some of its duties into a new Environmental Commission. The Board of Supervisors scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 25 to decide the panel's fate.

Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, who represents Reston, pressed county staff for specifics at the board's Tuesday, July 14, meeting. Alcorn asked which tree-protection responsibilities would actually transfer to the new body, which would be formed by merging the Tree Commission with the Environmental Quality Advisory Council.

Staff told Alcorn that bylaws for the proposed Environmental Commission are still being drafted and that feedback from current Tree Commission and EQAC members would shape the new charter. Staff said other tree-related duties not covered by the new commission may move to the Urban and Forestry Division within the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.

Board Chairman Jeff McKay said he was confident the proposal would be fully fleshed out before the August hearing.

What the Tree Commission does

Founded in 1973, the Tree Commission advises the Board of Supervisors on protecting and expanding Fairfax County's urban forest. Its 15 members include a representative from each of the county's nine magisterial districts, plus seats for EQAC, the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, the Fairfax County Park Authority and two state agencies.

The commission reviews development proposals before the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals that could affect tree cover. Fairfax County has set a goal of expanding its tree canopy from roughly 55% to 60% by 2030 to combat urban heat and improve air quality, according to county figures.

Why the merger

County staff told supervisors the consolidation would save about $20,000 in meeting-planning costs and eliminate 600 staff hours each year. The move is part of a broader review of county boards, authorities and commissions that supervisors voted unanimously to begin in early 2024 to ensure advisory bodies remain relevant. The county has already dissolved three other advisory panels under that review.

Staff said Fairfax County would continue to meet Tree City USA requirements even after restructuring.

How to weigh in

The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 25. The exact time and location have not been posted as of Tuesday, July 15. Residents can check fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors for hearing details and instructions on submitting written testimony.