Pennsylvania Reforests Five Counties

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, May 7, 2004 (ENS) - Pennsylvania has started a four year, $8 million program to plant more than 20,000 shade trees and 2,000 acres of forested river and streamside buffers that are intended to restore lost tree cover in southeastern Pennsylvania.

“The five county Philadelphia region has lost more than five million trees over the last 15 years,” said Governor Edward Rendell as he officially launched the TreeVitalize program. “Considering the environmental, aesthetic and economic value trees add to our communities, the loss we experienced is immeasurable."

“TreeVitalize is designed to halt that loss and revitalize our older communities, improve our air and water, and enhance the quality of life for our citizens,” he said. “It will provide our local governments, which many times lack urban forestry resources, the financial and technical tools to encourage the protection of trees. ”

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is leading the regional partnership in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to restore tree cover in cities and towns in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. The five county region has 1.4 million acres, 4.1 million residents, 239 local governments and 11 watersheds.

Planning, assessment and resource development activities are taking place this spring. Selection of operating partners and other funded activities will occur during the summer. Educational activities will begin this fall, and tree planting activities will begin next spring. Tree planting will continue through fall 2007.

According to the U.S. Forest Service Northeastern Research Station, the region currently has about 34 percent tree cover ranging from a low of one percent in Marcus Hook, Delaware County, to a high of 73 percent in Bridgton Township, Bucks County.

In addition to coordinating resources to support tree plantings, TreeVitalize aims to train 2,000 volunteers in proper tree care techniques. These citizen foresters will provide urban forestry assistance to communities and educate homeowners on proper tree care and planting.

TreeVitalize has reached more than half of its $8 million funding goal. Pennsylvania's contribution of $3 million is funded through DCNR and DEP. Additional financial contributors include Aqua Pennsylvania Inc., the Philadelphia Eagles’ Eagles Youth Partnership, the U.S. Forest Service Northeastern Area, PECO, an Exelon Company, and Exelon Corporation.

The governor said that the nursery industry is a key partner in the effort. “As we build demand for trees, we will work with the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association to ensure a good supply of the right trees of the highest quality is available for these projects.” Pennsylvania’s landscape, nursery and garden center sector is a $3.1 billion industry, employing 100,000 Pennsylvanians.

For more information on TreeVitalize, visit: http://www.treevitalize.net.