NY Awards Urban, Community Forestry Grants To 3 HV Towns

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Three Hudson Valley municipalities received part of grants totaling $1.18 million from the state to count, plant and take care of public trees.

The grants are part of the second phase of grants through the Department of Environmental Conservation's Division of Lands and Forests' Urban and Community Forestry Program, which works to increase public awareness of the importance of trees.

Lieutenant Gov. Kathy Hochul said trees are vital to our community life, public health and the environment.

"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," she said.

"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," Hochul said.

The 26 projects receiving funds this year were selected during Phase 2 of the Urban and Community Forestry Round 15 grants. A total of $26 million is being awarded to 64 projects across the state.

In the Hudson Valley, the following was awarded:

• Town of Bedford: $50,000 for tree maintenance
• Town of Somers: $35,000 for tree inventory and management plan
• City of Kingston: $50,000 for tree planting

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.