1/19/2022 - Tree Inventory Forest Management Plan Meeting Announced

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Tree Inventory and Community Forest Management Plan
Wrap-up Meeting Announced

January 19, 2022-Olean- William J. Aiello, Mayor of the City of Olean, has announced that Tree Inventory and Community Forest Management Plan Wrap up Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. The link to join the meeting will be available on the City's website prior to the event.

During the wrap-up meeting, Sue Cooper, the City's Forester, will discuss the state of the City's urban forest when she was hired and its preservation following her retirement. The City's consultant, Laurie Brockelbank, of the Davey Resource Group, will discuss the current state of the urban forest with such topics as species diversity, planting sites, and risk assessment. Ms. Brockelbank will also outline the Community Forest Management Plan.

In addition Keri Kerper, the City of Olean Community Development Program Coordinator, will discuss the benefits of a healthy tree canopy and the preservation and expansion of the Urban Forest.

The City recently received a $32,750 grant to complete a tree inventory and management plan. The grant, awarded by the Department of Environmental Conservation, 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 DEC's Urban and Community Forestry Program, which works to increase public awareness of the importance of trees and helps communities develop and implement a comprehensive tree management plans to create healthy forests while enhancing quality of life for residents.

"Our urban forest is key to Olean's revitalization," said Mayor Aiello. "I am looking forward to this presentation and the suggestions in the Community Forest Management Plan. A sidewalk framed by trees is an important feature of our community and we should be proactive in sustaining and supplementing our woodlands. It is important to preserve this asset for the next generation of Olean residents."