For Release: Thursday, November 9, 2006
DEC Announces $200,000 in Funding to Assist with Tree Restoration in Western NY
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced $200,000 is being made available for local governments to implement long-term restoration efforts to help restore tree cover in areas that suffered significant damage to trees as a result of the unprecedented October snowstorm in Western New York.
"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 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.
The funding announced today 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.
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 technical assistance by landscape architects in the region for the replanting plans.
"After observing the storm devastation firsthand, I am grateful that State Parks is able to reach out as good partners and concerned neighbors to help the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy and support the recovery plan in Western New York for the many trees and historic landscapes, like Delaware Park, that were so severely damaged," said OPRHP Commissioner Bernadette Castro. "Together with our ongoing efforts, this $200,000 investment underscores Governor Pataki's strong commitment to replacing trees and helping communities restore public parklands and forested areas in the region."
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 at www.dec.state.ny.us
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. DEC had extended the application date to October 31, 2006, in order to accommodate communities impacted by the storm.
