The Town of Geneseo is pleased to announce that it will start conducting a Tree Inventory and creation of a Community Forest Management Plan. The effort is the result of a grant awarded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Urban and
Community Forestry Grant Program (CFMP). The $21,124 grant will target Long Point Park, Gateway Park and Nations Road areas.
The Tree Inventory will be conducted by Dr. Christopher Luley PhD., President of Urban Forest Diagnostics LLC. Dr. Luley received his PhD in Plant Pathology from Iowa State University, his M.S. in Forest Pathology and B.S in Forest Biology from SUNY Environmental Science and
Forestry. Dr. Luley has been providing urban forestry consulting services throughout his 35+ year career in urban forestry and arboriculture. Clients have included municipalities, universities, homeowners, cemeteries, golf courses and private landowners. He is the recipient
of the R. W. Harris Authors Award and is nationally known for his publications and educational efforts.
During the Inventory process, which will start in April, trees will be cataloged by species, diameter, GPS location and overall condition. The data gathered will be used to develop a Community Forest Management Plan for these areas. Long- term benefits include setting realistic measurable goals and objectives for the parks and Nations Road. The Community Forest Management Plan will provide recommendations about tree planting, maintenance and diversification of the tree populations to protect against invasive species. Additionally, the CFMP will be used to guide replanting efforts of trees towards native species that fit soil characteristics and the geographic and environmental needs
of the areas inventoried. Lastly, it will help the Town better understand the resources need to maintain the park, justify budget expenditures, preserve trees and protect employee and visitor safety. It is our hope that this project will spawn additional educational, research and
environmental projects in the community.
For additional information contact Patti LaVigne at plavigne@geneseony.org
