Warsaw, July 24, 2024

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) division of Lands and Community Forestry (UCF) program is pleased to announce available funding for Tree Inventory and Community Forestry Management plans.

The Village of Warsaw has been awarded a $40,675 Tree Inventory and Management Plan grant to determine the types, quantities, locations, and health of its community forest and develop a community forestry management plan that will assist with expanding its forest, address forest health issues and threats, and secure community involvement in protecting and enhancing the Village’s forest resources.

Healthy community forests provide environmental, economic, and social benefits, including stormwater capture, cooling through shade and evapotranspiration, wildlife habitat, and improved public health.

The Village of Warsaw will conduct a complete tree inventory and assessment and create a community forest management plan for the trees within the right-of-way (ROW) throughout the entire Village. The Village will hire a Certified Arborist with Municipal Specialist credentials to complete the inventory and plan and partner with the Tree Board for community outreach and volunteer recruitment.

This project will allow the Village to understand better its urban forests’ composition, structure, and tree maintenance needs; plan for short—and long-term resource allocations; develop risk management strategies; and promote the economic, environmental, and social benefits its trees provide to the community.

Working with a certified Arborist from the Davey Resource Group, the tree inventory will collect data in a computerized software program, allowing for an i-Tree ECO benefits analysis, meeting ANSI A300 standards, and utilizing tree management software for at least five (5) years of. Using the tree inventory will identify management needs, i.e., pruning rotations, removal implementation, and workload prioritization. It will include the development of budgets and work plans, including timelines and tasks to meet the Village’s vision. The consultant will host in-house training and meetings with key project staff and tree board members, and they will guide the maintenance of the tree inventory and implementation of the management plan.

Trees are an essential part of everyday life. Street trees create an inviting environment to live, work, and play. Trees enhance the quality of life by bringing natural elements and wildlife habitats into urban settings. Trees moderate temperatures, reduce air pollution and energy use, improve water quality, improve storm-water runoff, and provide benefits to our health and well-being. Tree care is also a hallmark of civic pride and creates a pleasant atmosphere for the critical tourist trade. The Village seeks to create a sustainable community with a healthy environment and a strong economy and protect its residents’ well-being. The Urban Forest plays a key role in advancing those goals.
The tree inventory is slated to start on July 29th and is anticipated to take five (5) days to complete.

For more information, please contact Shane Evans at (585) 786-2120.