The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has awarded an Urban Forestry Grant to The Trust for Governors Island that will be used to effectively manage the island’s historic trees and new plantings. This includes the completion of an island-wide tree inventory and the installation of a community forest management plan led by a dedicated arborist.
The Trust for Governors Island is the non-profit corporation created by the City of New York that is tasked with all operations, redevelopment, and management of Governors Island. According to the group, the grant will provide much-needed support for the creation and maintenance of the island’s ecosystem.
“We are excited for this opportunity to further enhance the community of trees, both old and new, on the island,” said Clare Newman, president and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “Governors Island is uniquely situated as a very different kind of urban forest, and we are energized by the commitment to promoting this critical ecological research—our trees as an integral part of our city’s ecosystem, our visitors’ experience, and our ongoing response to climate change.”
Aerial view of Governor’s Island – Courtesy of The Trust for Governors Island
Master Plan for the Governors Island Park and Public Space designed by West 83 – Courtesy of The Trust for Governors Island
Governors Island is home to a population of more than 3,500 trees. This includes species native to the area, as well as rare varieties. More than 2,000 trees have been planted as part of an ongoing climate research program.
Earlier this month, Mayor Bill de Blasio and the trust launched a global request for expressions of interest to create a climate-focused research and educational hub on Governors Island. The competition is aimed at universities and research institutions, which are invited to establish an anchor institution for a Climate Solutions Center. To support this effort, the city and the trust are offering a lease of up to 33 acres of fully entitled land, up to 1 million square feet of buildings on Governors Island, and a co-investment of up to $150 million for eligible physical improvements including utility infrastructure, transportation, and building construction.
Responses to this request are due by September 29, 2021.
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The master plan allows new 25 story buildings which is most unfortunate with the smaller “development zone” as they will block views of Downtown Manhattan. Surely those people in charge can revise their thinking?
IM LOOKING A STUDIO OR A ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT.