Beginning Oct. 14, the City of Lockport is initiating a tree inventory throughout the city right-of-way.
Crews from Davey Resource Group, the awarded consultant, will walk throughout the city wearing bright vests and carrying tablets and measuring devices to perform the two-week process. Armed with the data collected and in consultation with city staff, the firm will also develop a Community Forest Management Plan. The results of the inventory and the management plan will be presented at a Common Council meeting to be announced.
The two processes are financially supported by a $45,000 grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The department’s Urban and Community Forestry grant projects are made available through New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund, providing crucial assistance for communities to help develop and implement comprehensive projects to create healthy forests and enhance the quality of life for residents.
After the Community Forest Management Plan presentation, the city will be armed with the data necessary to apply for future grant opportunities for planting and maintenance grants. The plan will also enable city crews to prioritize maintenance needs.
“Trees are a vital resource for our city,” said Mayor Michelle Roman. “Increased public safety, efficiency, creation of short- and long-term planning, budget justification, as well as easily accessible documentation are many of the benefits the city will realize through the inventory and management planning process. Being at the forefront of future grants is also a key benefit.”
For more information about the tree inventory, contact Mike Hoffman, director of highways and parks, at 716.220.2422 or by email at mhoffman@lockportny.gov.