OLEAN, NY — The city received a $32,750 state grant to complete a tree inventory and management plan, Mayor William J. Aiello announced Tuesday.
“The city is thrilled to receive this grant,” Aiello said. “It will allow us to develop a comprehensive tree inventory that will detail the age, species, health and geographic distribution of our trees. Once the inventory is completed, a tree management plan will be devised with input from our residents. The end result will allow us to properly maintain the trees that we have and plant new trees that will thrive for the next generation.”
Awarded by the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Olean grant is part of $1.4 million dedicated to urban forestry projects across the state to help communities inventory, plant and maintain public trees. The grants are part of the department’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, an effort to increase public awareness of the importance of trees and helps communities develop and implement comprehensive tree management plans to create healthy forests while enhancing quality of life for residents.
“Healthy community forests provide a host of environmental, economic, and social benefits, including wildlife habitat, watershed protection, flood reduction, increased property values, and improved public health,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said.
Olean is one of 38 entities that will receive funding. Recipients were selected from a total of 154 applications, ranked by cost-effectiveness, lasting benefits, use of partnerships, inclusion of outreach and education and support from local stakeholders.
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