HomeMy WebLinkAboutTB 2026-051 Authorization to Apply for UCF Grant - Town PreservesMEETING OF THE ITHACA TOWN BOARD
August10, 2026
TB Resolution 2026 - 051: Authorization to Apply for Funding through the 2026 Urban and Community Forestry Program to develop Natural Areas Assessments and a Forest Management Plan for
the Town Preserves
Whereas, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) announced the availability of funding under the 2026 Urban and Community Forestry Program, which includes
a combined category to develop Forested Natural Areas Inventory/Assessment and Community Forest Management Plan, and
Whereas, grant amounts are accepted between $50,000 - $2,500,000, with no local match required, and
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca is seeking to hire a forester/arborist to develop forested natural areas inventories/assessments of the Town’s six preserves (+/- 353 acres) and prepare a
community forest management plan to assist in the Town’s management of these properties, and
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board, on August 6, 2026, expressed their support for this grant application and inventory/assessment and community forest management plan project
as an important step to promote the long term health of the Town’s preserves, and
Whereas, the Town of Ithaca estimates the total cost of this project to be approximately $150,000.00, based on cost estimates provided by several forestry firms, and
Whereas, grant applications are due by August 12, 2026; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the Supervisor of the Town of Ithaca, or designated representative, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for inventories/assessments and a community
forest management plan to be prepared for the Town preserves under the 2026 Urban and Community Forestry Program in an amount not to exceed $150,000.00, and upon approval of said request
to enter into and execute a project agreement with NYSDEC for such financial assistance to the Town of Ithaca.
Moved: Rich DePaoloSeconded: Diana Sinton
Vote: ayes- Howe, DePaolo, Bleiwas, Levine, Sinton, and McCune