Monroe receives $7,000 forestry grant

MONROE — The Town of Monroe Conservation Commission has been awarded a $7,000 forestry grant to assist in the inauguration of the state’s “Plant, Prune and Preserve Public Places” Program.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the award last week along with a total of 66 recipients from cities, villages, towns and not-for-profit organizations that were selected to receive grants totaling $994,878 from the Urban and Community Forestry Program.

The Commission plans to utilize the grant funds to establish a volunteer civilian conservation corps comprised of arborist, landscape professionals, students and residents that raises local awareness, provides a vehicle for collaboration and implements the use of best management practices on publicly held land to promote and sustain forest preservation.

Tree plantings are planned for the Alex Smith Pavilion Park on Lakes Road and the Markay New Town Park on West Mombasha Road primarily to provide shade, enhance view shed and improve storm water management.

Conservation Commission Chairman John Ebert said that the Town of Monroe’s forestry program will provide an opportunity for residents to gain important knowledge concerning forest sustainability and make a lasting contribution to their community by tree plantings that encourage habitat formation and energy conservation, reduce pollution and promote clean air.

He added this year’s application was bolstered by the support of Black Rock Forest, Orange County Soil and Water Conservation Services, local nurseries, the Monroe Town Board and Highway Department.

“Their cooperation,” Ebert said in his press release announcing the grant, “will ensure a healthy canopy for firmly rooting a viable community forestry program in southern Orange County.”