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Thank you to Town of Plattsburgh Planning Technician Malana Tamer for providing this report.

The Town of Plattsburgh (population app 12,000) is located in Clinton County in the northeastern part of New York State, approximately 65 miles south of Montreal, Canada and on the western shore of Lake Champlain. The Town of Plattsburgh surrounds the separate and more populous City of Plattsburgh.

With the help of a $400 Arbor Day grant through NYSUFC, the Town of Plattsburgh purchased two river birch trees, which were planted at the Cadyville Town Beach on Arbor Day, April 27, 2018. The Town beach provides public access to the Saranac River with a lifeguard patrolled beach and non-motorized boat access. In summer months, the beach provides river access to approximately 1,098 users per month. The two new trees will provide erosion control and shade for beach users. 

“The Cadyville Beach has always had several trees providing shade for the patrons. However, as two of the trees were nearing the end of their life, we had to remove them,” says Melanie Defayette, Youth Services & Recreation Director. “The Beach faces due south and gets intense sun all day, so the beach patrons appreciate having shade to sit in. Planting trees in a public space is a win for everyone.”

The Town’s Tree Committee decided to purchase six additional trees to be planted along a busy economic corridor this fall. (A board member who owns a local nursery advised the committee of the advantages of fall planting, including reduced water stress).

The Town is very excited to provide its residents and the larger community with a greener and healthier place to live, work, and play. As the Town puts an emphasis on economic development and infrastructure, it also seeks to recognize the need to maintain green spaces and create a walkable healthy community. Therefore, the Town’s goal is to not only plant trees this year, but to add a line item to the Building and Grounds department budget for ongoing beautification of their corner of the world.