BY JENNIFER CROWLEY
Last week the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced $2.24 million in grants for urban forestry projects to protect air quality, water quality and natural resources across the state. The Village of Scottsville Forestry Board secured a $22,500 grant to update the community’s tree inventory which was last completed in 2011.
The grants are part of the DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry Program which helps communities develop and implement comprehensive tree planting, management, maintenance, and education to create healthy forests while enhancing the quality of life for residents. Over 50 projects to receive funding were selected from a total of 115 applications, ranked by cost effectiveness, lasting benefits, use of partnerships, and support from local stakeholders. There were only four awards given to municipalities in Monroe County. Greece, East Rochester and Brockport also received grants.
In Scottsville, the Forestry Board is comprised of residents that have functional and fiduciary responsibilities as a Board and to the Village Board. Their efforts are augmented by the services of a professional arborist and a DEC Forester. The group grew out of a “tree committee” that convened in 2010 to create a replacement plan for the population of aging silver maple trees. Over the years, their work has resulted in the Village being named as a “Tree City USA” by The Arbor Day Foundation.
Shortly after the group originally formed, the village applied for and received grant money to complete an inventory of trees in Scottsville’s public right-of-way. The inventory encompassed approximately 24 roads and two parks (Canawaugus and Johnson). At the time, more than 700 trees were catalogued with the most common species being Maple (66 percent) followed by Spruce, Ash, Honey Locust and Linden. Since the 2011 inventory, some trees have been removed and others have been planted.
Thankfully this latest DEC grant will enable to Board to plan and undertake new preservation and replacement activities as the village canopy continues to age and face infestation. Forestry Board member Rick VenVertloh led the grant preparation and submission effort. According to Forestry Board member Brandon Burger, “One of the most noticeable aspects of Scottsville’s landscape is its forested character. The canopy of trees over the roof-tops of Scottsville are large and beautiful, but also aging. Many of the trees that dominate the canopy are silver maples over 80 years-old and they are declining rapidly. Wind storms last year and the year before were stark reminders that there is a need to re-assess the village’s trees and act to prevent accidents while preserving the forest character.”
Under the new grant a certified arborist will physically inspect all trees that are located in the right-of-way for Village, County and State roads within the corporate boundaries of Scottsville, including the two parks. This assessment will use GPS to record the size, health, and any safety issues related to each tree. From here the Board will conduct a tree census in order to match the tree assessment data with a specific location in the village. This census will help the Forestry Board and the DPW make necessary decisions on removals, maintenance, and plantings in the village. The goal is to preserve the existing tree stock, to the extent possible, while maintaining public safety.
Village of Scottsville Trustee Christie Offen lauded the Forestry Board on its efforts adding that, “It is important to note that the Tree Inventory grant does not include a local match, so the Village will not have to supplement the grant funding in order to complete the project. In a time when budgeting for Village expenses and finding opportunities to obtain grant money can be challenging, the Village Forestry Board should be commended for its initiative in applying for this funding and undertaking such an important project for our community.”
The urban forestry grants complement the DEC’s ongoing initiatives to address invasive species, climate change, environmental degradation, environmental justice, and urban sprawl. Over the last seven years, New York State has funded more than $9.2 million in grants to support projects with a total value of more than $16 million. According to Senator Tom O’Mara, Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, “Communities throughout New York State benefit from this program and utilize these resources to strengthen the quality of their neighborhoods through tree planting, management, maintenance and other vital projects. These projects greatly enhance life for area residents and families.”
