Local News on WXHC.com is brought to you by:
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced the application period for the Trees for Trib “Buffer in a Bag” has begun.
The program is open to qualified private and public landowners who may apply for a free bag of 25 tree and shrub seedlings to plant near streams, rivers, or lakes to aid in stabilizing the banks, protect the water quality, combat climate change, and improve the wildlife habitat.
“Small-scale streamside plantings help decrease erosion, slow floodwaters, sequester carbon, and protect fish and wildlife habitat,” said NYDEC Commissioner Seggos. “I encourage New York landowners with waterside properties to participate in DEC’s ‘Buffer in a Bag’ program to bolster the State’s efforts to protect water quality and help safeguard communities from flooding.”
Landowners who qualify must have at least 50 feet bordering a stream, river, or lake, and be able to provide photos or a map of the planting location. Those who have been recipients in the past are being encouraged to apply again to continue to build riparian buffers.
A total of 350 bags will be available statewide during this application period. All applications are due by 3pm on April 7th. Additional, including application, may be found on the DEC website HERE.
