The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Division of Lands and Forests Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program is pleased to announce available funding for tree planting in disadvantaged communities after ash tree loss. The purpose is to replace and increase long- lived tree canopies in these areas.
Healthy community forests provide a host of environmental, economic, and social benefits, including stormwater capture, cooling through shade and evapotranspiration, wildlife habitat, and improved public health.
The City of Lockport has been awarded a Tree Planting in Disadvantaged Communities after the Ash Tree Loss grant for $22,075 to plant 60 trees in the South Street neighborhood. These trees will be appropriately sized, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing, providing shade and beauty and creating a sense of serenity. This project will promote tree preservation and proactive tree care to ensure the long-term survival of older trees. In addition, it will provide a diverse and healthy tree population that will be an asset to the city and its residents for many generations to come.
Applicants are required to meet minimum planting standards for UCF grants and provide a 5-year maintenance plan. DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry Program works to increase public awareness of the importance of trees and healthy community forests and provides technical assistance to communities to help them develop their own community forestry programs. Funding for this 2-year grant comes from the US Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters through the State Urban Forest Resilience Grant and the NYS Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).
For further information, please contact Michelle Higgins at michelle.higgins@dec.ny.gov