Guidelines re tree and vegetation management, removal and replacement along state highways

(a) The Department of Transportation shall develop, and thereafter revise as necessary, guidelines governing tree and vegetation management, removal and replacement along state highways for use by its employees and contractors when undertaking maintenance and construction projects. The goal of the guidelines shall be to ensure the impacts of maintenance and construction projects on the environment, landscape and noise pollution are balanced or outweighed by measures taken to avoid and minimize the impacts. (b) Such guidelines shall include, but need not be limited to, provisions addressing (1) the safety of the traveling public; (2) general roadside vegetation management activities performed by the department, including, but not limited to, mowing, herbicide application, grassing, replanting with native species whenever practicable, limb management, tree removal and debris removal; (3) beautification, enhancements and the effect on scenic roads designated pursuant to section 13b-31c; (4) visibility enhancement; and (5) the environmental impact of such work, including (A) preventing invasive tree, brush or plant species' growth and impact, (B) storm water run-off, (C) erosion, (D) replanting of vegetation species to expand and improve pollinator habitats, as described in section 22-90b, and (E) reduced mowing. Such guidelines shall apply to construction projects financed, in whole or in part, with federal funds to the extent such guidelines do not conflict with federal laws and regulations. (c) Such guidelines shall not apply to the removal of any trees or vegetation necessary to maintain public safety or that is performed because of a weather-related civil preparedness emergency declared pursuant to section 28-9. (d) On or before January 1, 2024, the Commissioner of Transportation shall submit such guidelines to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation and the environment, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a. The committees shall hold a joint public hearing on such guidelines and the commissioner shall present such guidelines at the public hearing.