Environment DEC
From the December 2006 issue
DEC Announces $200,000 to Assist with Tree Restoration in Western NY
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan recently announced that $200,000 is being made available to local governments so they can implement long-term tree-cover restoration efforts in areas that suffered significant tree damage from the freak October snowstorm in Western New York.
Funding will Help Parks and Urban Areas Recover
"The heavy snow that fell on leafy trees left many communities in Western New York with many trees that were either significantly damaged or a total loss," Commissioner Sheehan said. "Trees are an integral part of the Western New York landscape and help to define the character of the region, both in its neighborhoods and public green spaces. This funding will help in the recovery of the region's parks, help to enhance urban areas, and provide valuable environmental benefits."
On October 13, 2006, the governor declared a State Disaster Emergency for the counties of Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Orleans and contiguous areas as snows closed roads and brought down trees and power lines, cutting electric power to more than 390,000 customers. On October 24, 2006, President Bush approved the governor's request and declared the counties of Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Orleans eligible for federal disaster assistance.
Federal and State Assistance Available
Federal and state assistance will provide eligible homeowners, renters and small businesses with federal aid for the costs of debris removal, protective measures taken in response to the storm, and for repairs to the public infrastructure. However, the federal and state disaster funding will not allow the reimbursement of communities for the costs to replace or restore damaged trees.
Grants will help municipalities
hire professionals to try to
save existing trees
The funding comes from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and will be used by local governments to save existing public trees through pruning by professional tree care specialists, or to remove and replace public trees that succumbed to storm damage. Information about applying for the funding will be made available to local governments in coming weeks.
OPRHP Cleanup Crews are Helping
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation's (OPRHP) Western District also continues to assist the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy and the historic Delaware Park by providing work crews for clean up, and the technical assistance of landscape architects in the region to help with replanting plans.
In addition to the funding announced today, DEC encouraged property owners throughout the affected region to take appropriate steps in caring for trees impacted by the storm. DEC foresters are available to talk with tree owners and provide them with advice on picking a certified arborist for care or removal of damaged trees, provide tips on pruning and branch removal, as well as other important tree care. The DEC Region 9 forestry office can be reached at 716-851-7010, and information is also provided on DEC's website (see "Related Links" below).
Urban Forestry Grant Applications Under Review
DEC is also reviewing applications for $300,000 in urban forestry grants available to municipalities, public benefit corporations, public authorities, school districts and not-for-profit organizations that have a public ownership interest in the property or are acting on behalf of a public property owner.
