Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the recipients of the Urban and Community Forestry Grants funded by the U.S. Forest Service through the historic Inflation Reduction Act. Grants totaling more than $7.1 million will support 23 urban forestry projects, particularly in disadvantaged communities most burdened by environmental pollution and the effects of climate change. The awards complement the State’s commitment to plant 25 million trees by 2033.

Each selected project represents a collaborative effort between local governments, nonprofit organizations and community groups to create more equitable and resilient urban forests in the face of increased storms and extreme heat driven by climate change. Among the funded initiatives are those that engage with the public in tree planting and stewardship efforts, increase tree canopy in public open space, and increase or expand planting along roadways.

These efforts align with a broader conservation and environmental agenda which includes enhancing existing open spaces that count towards New York State’s goal to preserve 30 percent of land and water by 2030.

“President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act is delivering for New Yorkers by providing equitable access to trees, improving air quality, reducing extreme heat, and providing many other benefits for New Yorkers,” according to Governor Hochul. “New York State is grateful to partner on these projects as part of $87 million in total federal grants that will help grow state and local efforts to plant and care for public trees, foster healthier environments, and enhance quality of life.”

The grants are administered through New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, which works to increase public awareness of the importance of trees and helps communities to create healthy forests while enriching the quality of life for residents.

Funding comes from the state allocation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. The Forest Service is allocating this funding to support projects in disadvantaged communities to increase and maintain a healthy urban canopy and equitable access to trees and the benefits they provide. The Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program authorizes funding for a broad range of activities, such as urban wood utilization, urban food forests, extreme heat mitigation and workforce development.

DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar says, “Urban forestry plays a crucial role in reducing air pollution and helping to prevent or mitigate the many devastating health, environmental and economic impacts of climate change. DEC thanks the Biden-Harris Administration, New York’s Congressional delegation, and Governor Hochul for prioritizing our climate and the overall well-being of New Yorkers with this funding to support initiatives that promote environmental stewardship, resilient landscapes, and economic vitality.”

Here is a list of awarded projects by region:

CAPITAL REGION

Albany County

  • City of Albany Department of General Services – $420,260; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

Greene County

  • Village of Athens – $340,633; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

Rensselaer County

  • City of Troy – $317,600; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

CENTRAL NY

Cortland County

  • City of Cortland – $65,000; Ash Tree Management in Disadvantaged Communities

Onondaga County

  • City of Syracuse – $495,283; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

FINGER LAKES

Genesee County

  • City of Batavia – $452,732; Ash Tree Management in Disadvantaged Communities

Monroe County

  • City of Rochester – $199,625; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

Orleans County

  • Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District – $468,479; Ash Tree Management in Disadvantaged Communities

LONG ISLAND

Nassau County

  • City of Glen Cove – $25,706; Ash Tree Management in Disadvantaged Communities

MID-HUDSON VALLEY

Orange County

  • Orange County Parks and Recreation – $63,154; Ash Tree Management in Disadvantaged Communities

Ulster County

  • City of Kingston – $491,550; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

Westchester

  • City of New Rochelle – $35,000; Ash Tree Management in Disadvantaged Communities

NEW YORK CITY

Bronx County

  • Woodlawn Conservancy Inc – $473,392; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation
  • Natural Areas Conservancy Inc – $394,658; Ash Tree Management in Disadvantaged Communities

Kings County

  • Big Initiatives Incorporated – $407,457; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation
  • The Evergreens Cemetery Preservation Foundation – $500,000.00; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

New York County

  • The Green-Wood Cemetery – $498,035; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation
  • Randall’s Island Park Alliance Inc – $497,742; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

NORTH COUNTRY

Clinton County

  • Clinton County Soil and Water Conservation District – $229,622; Ash Tree Management in Disadvantaged Communities

Jefferson County

  • City of Watertown – $400,000; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

St. Lawrence County

  • Town of Massena – $231,342; Ash Tree Management in Disadvantaged Communities

SOUTHERN TIER

Broome County

  • City of Binghamton – $33,333; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

WESTERN NEW YORK

Chautauqua County

  • City of Dunkirk – $122,446; Community Forest Management Plan Implementation

Excitement about the grants is widespread.

Danielle Gift , USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Regional Program Northeast Manager, says, “The Inflation Reduction Act Urban and Community Forestry funding will support communities in becoming more resilient to climate change and combat extreme heat with the cooling effects of increased urban tree canopy cover. The USDA Forest Service is proud to partner with New York State to get this funding on the ground in disadvantaged communities, where it is most needed.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer comments: “New York, get your shovels out and get ready to dig for countless new trees! This $7+ million in federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act will help urban forests blossom from Binghamton to Batavia and Rochester to New Rochelle. More trees mean a greener and cleaner environment and a better community for all.”

According to Representative Pat Ryan, “Tree coverage is an absolute necessity for a thriving city. These investments will increase canopy cover, improve climate resilience and create good-paying jobs along the way.”