For Release: Wednesday, September 6, 2006
DEC Accepting Urban Forestry Grant Applications
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced that DEC is requesting proposals for grants that will support local community tree planting projects in urban neighborhoods and parks to promote energy savings, habitat creation, increased property values, and improved quality of life for New York's urban residents.
"Governor Pataki is committed to enhancing New York's urban landscapes and these grants will give local communities the opportunity to enhance the natural resources of their neighborhoods," Commissioner Sheehan said. "The grants will allow urban communities to improve the quality of city life by planting new trees and offer New Yorkers the opportunity to experience the many benefits that trees provide in an urban setting."
A total of $300,000 in tree planting grants is 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. Funds are made available from the Environmental Protection Fund and will be managed and awarded by DEC. Communities may request between $2,500 and $20,000 per proposal depending upon municipal population. Grants are intended to have a lasting impact on neighborhoods, especially where there is a need for increased tree cover.
Grant proposals should demonstrate how the tree planting project will improve the quality of forests in parks or open spaces; have an impact on urban air and water resources; or enhance the quality of urban life and improve associated public health. Grant applicants should indicate if their applications compliment other federal, State, and municipal projects for urban areas that are designed to revitalize urban neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for residents.
Local communities should give appropriate consideration to under-served neighborhoods within their urban areas when selecting sites for tree planting projects. Grant applications may propose reforestation of urban parks and open spaces to create habitat and generate an increased urban forest canopy.
DEC foresters are available to provide applicants with technical assistance. DEC staff will review the completed grant applications and choose recipients based on established rating criteria. Proposals will be evaluated on their contribution to energy savings and heat island mitigation; use of proper tree planting techniques and tree care; consistency with an urban forestry master plan; the degree of community outreach and education of urban residents about the tree planting project; and any other community environmental, social and economic benefits. In addition to environmental and forestry components, the criteria also promotes environmental justice by considering population density, relative economic status, and outreach to under-served communities.
These grants further Governor Pataki's urban forestry goals, which were outlined in his 2004 State of the State Address. Governor Pataki directed DEC and the New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to form a partnership with local communities to plant trees in neighborhoods throughout the State for environmental, social, and energy economic benefits. Further urban forestry grants opportunities are expected to be announced in coming months.
The grant application deadline is October 20, 2006. Grant applications may be obtained on the DEC web site: www.dec.ny.gov or by contacting Urban Forestry, Division of Lands and Forests, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4253, or by phone at (518) 402-9425.
