On April 14, the Huai'an Municipal Government Executive Meeting reviewed and approved the draft of the Huai'an City Ancient and Notable Tree Protection Regulations. At the institutional level, the Regulations addresses the challenges of defining management rights and responsibilities for ancient and notable trees in Huai'an City. It clarifies accountability for daily maintenance and ensures a balanced approach to development and preservation. These measures provide institutional safeguards for the protection of 611 "timekeepers".

To address the issue where ancient and notable trees located within and outside urban built-up areas are overseen by different departments—often leading to neglect in practice—it has been specified that the municipal natural resources and planning department will serve as the leading authority. Meanwhile, both the forestry department and the urban greening department will act as competent departments responsible for the protection of these ancient and notable trees. Clear management responsibilities at both city and county (district) levels have been outlined, covering areas such as routine inspections, transplantation and protection, safeguarding during construction projects, and deregistration management.

To address the issue of some ancient and notable trees in Huai'an City—particularly those located on expropriated land, public land, or in areas where no one is attending to their care—detailed provisions have been established. These provisions clarify the methods for identifying and assigning responsibility for their maintenance. They also outline the procedures for managing and protecting ancient trees with unclear ownership or those located on private property where the individuals responsible for daily upkeep are unable to fulfill their duties. The policy stipulates that the county (or district) authorities responsible for ancient and notable trees will coordinate with the local town governments and sub-district offices to designate individuals or entities responsible for the trees' daily maintenance.

Given the ongoing expansion of urban development and construction, the Regulations outlines the circumstances under which such developments can be reasonably and responsibly utilized. These include activities such as scientific research, public education in science, village greening, eco-tourism, and essential production and operational activities. It also specifies the protective measures to be taken during different stages of land transfer, as well as during the planning, site selection, and construction of projects. These measures include soliciting input from relevant authorities, integrating protection requirements into the conditions for land transfer and allocation, submitting reports to the appropriate authorities, and ensuring the implementation of necessary protection standards.