Environment DEC
From the August 2008 issue
DEC Announces $900,000 in Urban Forestry Grants
DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis recently announced that urban forestry grants totaling $900,000 are being awarded to communities and organizations across New York. The release of the list of awardees coincides with the annual New York State Urban and Community Forestry Conference that took place at the end of July at Cornell University in Ithaca.
Creating Cleaner, Healthier Communities
"Urban forestry initiatives are key to promoting clean air, clean water, energy savings, habitat creation, and improved quality of life for New York residents," Commissioner Grannis, said. "These grants build upon Governor Paterson's interest in improving the environment across the state and will have a lasting impact by creating cleaner, healthier communities for both current and future generations to enjoy."
The grants help to build healthier communities and encourage green solutions to urban issues like stormwater management
Funding for the grants comes from the state's Environmental Protection Fund to support a variety of projects involving community tree planting, tree inventories and management plans, as well as green infrastructure projects such as rain gardens and green roofs.
Forty-seven Grants Awarded
A total of 47 recipients from cities, villages, towns and not-for-profit organizations across the state have been chosen. Quick Start grants of $1,000 each were awarded to 11 of the 47 communities to help fund the creation of local tree planting programs and Arbor Day celebrations. The grants provide funding for trees, soil, labor and materials needed to complete the projects. Awards will be matched by funds ranging from in-kind services, donations, and project-related purchases such as garden tools and additional trees.
Recipients were chosen from 128 applicants based on criteria that included the contributions the projects will have on the local environment. In addition to environmental and forestry components, reviewers considered how projects would contribute to environmental justice by factoring in population density, relative economic status, and outreach to underserved communities. Applicants were encouraged to form regional partnerships and submit proposals that help implement watershed protection and smart-growth initiatives with green solutions.
Grant Recipients
See the complete press release for the list of 2007-2008 Small Community and Large City Urban and Community Forestry Grant Recipients.
