×

City receives $50,000 grant for tree maintenance

Thee city of Dunkirk has received $50,000 for tree maintenance from the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

The grant was awarded in celebration of Arbor Day as part of a $1.18 million award to communities across the state to inventory, plant, and maintain public trees. The grants are part of the second phase of grants through DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests’ Urban and Community Forestry Program, which works to increase public awareness of the importance of trees and help communities develop and implement comprehensive tree management plans to create healthy forests while enhancing quality of life.

“Trees are vital to our community life, public health, and our environment,” said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. “New York State is proud to celebrate Arbor Day by awarding grants to 26 outstanding projects in communities across the state to inventory, plant, and maintain public trees. These innovative projects exemplify New York state’s commitment to protecting and enhancing our state’s natural resources, while also beautifying communities and enhancing quality of life for a greener future.”

The 26 projects receiving funds this year were selected during Phase 2 of the Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Round 15 grants after additional funding was made available. With today’s announcement, a total of $2.6 million is being awarded to 64 projects across the state. The awarded projects were selected from 154 applications, ranked by cost effectiveness, lasting benefits, use of partnerships, inclusion of outreach and education, and support from local stakeholders. The UCF grants complement DEC’s ongoing initiatives to address invasive species, climate change, environmental degradation, environmental justice, and urban sprawl.

“Each year, Arbor Day reminds us of the importance of trees and their profound impact on our everyday lives,” said Basil Seggos, state DEC commissioner. “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. Investing in the health of New York’s communities through the state’s Environmental Protection Fund is providing crucial assistance to help our state’s vital forests to thrive.”

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today