Arborist Call | Zcash Protocol Updates (03/19/2026)
Core Team Updates, Research & Implementation Updates, Open Announcements & Discussion.
The Zcash Arborist Calls are bi-weekly protocol development meetings focused on tracking upcoming protocol deployment logistics, consensus node implementation issues, and protocol research.
This summary focuses on the last call that took place on 03/19/2026.
Zebra 4.2.0 shipped:
Extended RPC functionality closer parity with Zcashd
Mempool policy now aligned with legacy node rules
New state requests added (driven by Zaino/Zingo needs)
Zebra steadily becoming a full production alternative.
Key fixes around this release:
Non-finalized state backup bug (caught via integration tests)
Block propagation issue in regtest resolved
getblocksubsidy bug fixed (missed inclusion in release)
Integration testing is already paying off.
Shielded Coinbase:
Multiple dependent PRs have been mostly merged
Full implementation not yet in main
Still incomplete, not part of 4.2.0
Integration testing now fully wired across the stack:
Zebra, Zallet, Zaino all built + tested together via RPC flows
PRs can trigger full-stack CI using integration testing repo
Cross-repo validation becoming standard
This is a major reliability upgrade for Zcash clients.
NU7 work gaining momentum:
Active coordination across ecosystem teams
Ongoing ZIP work shaping upgrade direction
Focus on defining a "sensible" NU7
Zallet development is progressing:
Shielded Coinbase support is in progress
Backend work for fully transparent transactions
Moving toward replacing Zcashd wallet capabilities
This is critical for the post zcashd future.
Call for ecosystem feedback:
ZIP 1206 Unified Address Revision 2 proposal
Replaces withdrawn Revision 1 after earlier feedback
Open for review and input from contributors
Important standard update needs eyes.
Zaino nearing release readiness:
Multiple bugs fixed across release candidates
Backend now integrated with Zallet (real testing in progress)
New testing surfaced additional issues mostly resolved
6th release candidate expected soon
ZainoD getting very close to a stable release.
Zaino progress under Zcashd deprecation:
Now compatible with Zebra 4.2
Integration tests passing across stack
Testnet sync validated (major speed improvements)
Ongoing optimization + bug fixes
ZainoD performance is improving fast.
Transition planning in motion:
Tooling is being designed to measure parity (ZainoD vs LightwalletD)
Clear path drafted toward LightwalletD deprecation
LightwalletD still maintained new release coming
Shift is gradual… but direction is clear.
NSM progress (ZIP 234 & 235):
Split into separate PRs for cleaner scope + review
Additional refactor proposed to simplify implementation
ZIP 234 currently blocked pending refactor review
Call for contributors to review open PRs
Crosslink moving beyond prototype phase:
Entering next phase with more persistent dev networks
Introducing “seasons” iterative network deployments
Each season activates new protocol versions + features
State migration between seasons being explore
Toward continuity in experimental networks.
Crosslink ecosystem expansion:
Upcoming workshop planned (mid-April)
Reward program funded via Zcash donation from Vitalik Buterin
Collaboration with Zebra, Tachyon & nym teams on networking ideas
Forum post + roadmap update incoming
Ongoing technical work:
New networking transport layer (focused on faster sync)
Tooling for automated deployment of seasonal testnets
Early stage ZIP work (placeholder, more in the coming weeks)
Dynamic fees reset for NU7:
Previous ZIP withdrawn regrouping strategy
New direction: “fee sensor” to collect Mainnet fee data
Zaino fork adding RPC endpoint for fee insights
Updated roadmap expected in coming weeks from theory to data driven approach.