By Blake Jackson
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced grants totaling over $2.4 million for 32 urban forestry projects across New York in honor of Arbor Day and Earth Week. These grants align with the Governor's commitment to planting 25 million trees by 2033, as stated in her 2024 State of the State address. The initiative, supported by multiple state agencies, emphasizes the importance of green infrastructure and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through tree planting initiatives.
Governor Hochul expressed her enthusiasm for sowing the seeds of a greener future and inspiring environmental stewardship statewide. The goal of planting 25 million trees is integral to New York's comprehensive efforts to combat climate change and enhance urban landscapes, contributing to healthier environments for residents and wildlife.
The $2.4 million in Urban and Community Forestry grants administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will support critical tree planting and maintenance projects across various regions.
These initiatives provide vital assistance to urban forest managers in expanding green infrastructure and nurturing healthier environments. DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar commended Governor Hochul's commitment to recognizing the numerous benefits of urban and community forests, particularly during Earth Week.
State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons highlighted the significance of trees and forests in supporting environmental health, such as improving air and water quality, providing wildlife habitat, and combating climate change.
Commissioner Simons expressed excitement about participating in Governor Hochul's ambitious tree planting initiative, encouraging New Yorkers to engage in tree planting efforts within their communities.
The grants awarded cover a range of projects across different counties, focusing on tree planting, maintenance, and resilient reforestation efforts. Over the past 12 years, New York State has invested over $16 million in grants to support urban forestry projects, with additional local matching investments, totaling more than $23 million. Click here for the 2024 Urban and Community Forestry grant recipients by region.
In response to Governor Hochul's directive, agency leaders and commissioners will travel across the state to plant native trees over the coming weeks, engaging communities in environmental protection efforts. This collaborative multi-agency effort underscores the state's commitment to increasing public awareness of the benefits of trees and strengthening environmental resilience.
The grants are part of DEC's Urban and Community Forestry Program, which plays a crucial role in enhancing quality of life for residents and creating healthy forests across New York. Funding for these grants is supported by the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), with the 2024-25 State Budget enacted maintaining EPF funding at a historic high of $400 million.
The EPF supports various environmental programs, including land conservation, invasive species management, water quality improvement, and environmental justice initiatives. Governor Hochul's Arbor Day announcement reflects a proactive approach towards promoting sustainable practices and fostering a greener, healthier future for all New Yorkers.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
Categories: New York, Government & Policy