Two Livingston County Communities Receive Urban and Community Forestry Grants

Geneseo, NY, May 10, 2021 — On April 30, 2021, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced $1.18 million in awards as part of Phase 2 of the Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) grant program, which provides funds to communities to inventory, plant, and maintain public trees. These grant awards were announced in celebration of Arbor Day.

Two Livingston County communities received awards in Phase 2:

·        Town of Geneseo – $15,000 for Tree Maintenance

·        Village of Avon – $50,000 for Tree Maintenance

“Trees are vital to our community life, public health, and our environment,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul in the award announcement. “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. 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.”

Over the last nine years, New York State has awarded more than $12.6 million in urban forestry grants to support projects with a total value of more than $20 million.

For more information about DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, visit DEC’s website.