Message From The President
| | The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has inspired no shortage of spirited conversation and evoked some heightened emotion on both sides of the issue. Regardless of what side you represent, it is an irrefutable fact that the ARRA has afforded urban forestry, planning, and horticulture professionals in New York the resources to implement some of the most innovative stormwater infrastructure and canopy restoration projects in the country. |
| Working with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Environmental Facilities Corporation, and even the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority, communities are participating in a veritable green infrastructure revolution; on a scale that we'll not again witness for perhaps another few decades. What's more, these initiatives were largely conceived, inspired, and executed by members of this very Council. Far out! |
| Think about it for a moment. The sheer innovation, scale and scope of the Greenstreets projects compared to just a few short years ago; the Million Trees and New York Restoration Project installations in New York City happening right now; the massive canopy restoration efforts in Buffalo and Syracuse; and the advances in greenspace planning along the Hudson River corridor. Even small cities like Utica and Rome are turning heads with green infrastructure projects in 2010 that, just a year ago, were limited to late-night conversations somewhere in downtown Brooklyn. |
| I hope you are all looking forward to the Geneva conference. Think of that weekend as a "mini-holiday" to unplug and chill out in the Finger Lakes. Mark Gooding and the Region 8 planning committee have worked very hard to put together what looks to be another amazing weekend. When you get to Geneva, be sure to thank them for their efforts. |
| Other than that, come check out some of the excellent programs we have lined up and have a groovy time. I know that I am really looking forward to seeing all of you again and toasting to our good fortune. |
| Christian Mercurio, President |
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