Trees are slowly gaining public recognition for their ability to store carbon pollution, sustain healthy communities and mitigate climate change. But the state says it needs more funding to seed and plant trees, and to support the communities that help them grow. Wednesday, Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz announced her plan to seek $15.8 million in additional funding during the next state legislative session. Details are forthcoming, but $8 million of that money would boost the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ urban forestry program, improve support for local community organizations involved in forestry work, fund a Tree Equity Score Map and establish a youth conservation corps to encourage young people to become involved. The remaining $7.8 million would be used to improve and expand the state’s Webster Forest Nursery.