DEC announces $1.4 million in urban forestry grants
CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. » New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced grant awards totaling $1.4 million for urban forestry projects across the state to help communities inventory, plant, and maintain public trees. The grants are part of DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, which works to increase public awareness of the importance of trees and helps communities develop and implement comprehensive tree management plans to create healthy forests while enhancing quality of life for residents. “Healthy community forests provide a host of environmental, economic, and social benefits, including wildlife habitat, watershed protection, flood reduction, increased property values, and improved public health,” Seggos sated. “Governor Andrew Cuomo is investing in the health of New York’s communities through the State’s Environmental Protection Fund, providing crucial assistance for our state’s vital forests to thrive,” Seggos added. The 38 projects to receive funding were selected from a total of 154 applications, ranked by cost effectiveness, lasting benefits, use of partnerships, inclusion of outreach and education, and support from local stakeholders. The urban forestry grants complement DEC’s ongoing initiatives to address invasive species, climate change, environmental degradation, environmental justice, and urban sprawl. Over the last nine years, New York State has funded more than $11.4 million in grants to support projects with a total value of more than $18.3 million. Below is the list of grant recipients in the Capital Region:
Albany County
• City of Albany - $75,000; Tree Inventory • City of Watervliet - $29,000; Tree Maintenance