Environmental Agenda Packet 10.15.2026 (full text)

TOWN OF WEST SENECA ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA DATE Thursday, October 15, 2026 TIME 6:30 PM LOCATION Large Conference Room, West Seneca Community Center, 1300 Union Road, West Seneca, NY 14224 CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL APPROVAL OF MINUTES • September 17, 2026 Presentations • Update on the Town of West Seneca Grant for a Tree Inventory and Community Forestry Management Plan (NYS DEC UCF Round 16) o Background on the grant implementation. o The Tree Inventory Results prepared by Davey Resource Group (DRG) o Plans for use of the tree inventory data by the Town Highway Department. o Questions and Answers. o In addition, a presentation and discussion on local soils, and tree care will occur at the Town of West Seneca Environmental Commission meeting scheduled for November 19, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the large conference room at the community center. ADJOURNMENT 1 Page 1 of 33

What is the 10%-20%-30% Rule for Urban Tree Landscaping? From outwardlab.com: “What Is The 10 20 30 Rule Of Urban Tree Landscaping, By Eric James Updated on April 21, 2026”at the link: https://outwardlab.com/what-is-the-10-20-30-rule-of-urban-tree- landscaping/ “By following this simple biodiversity guideline, you can ensure your trees remain healthy and resilient for generations. This rule helps you build a diverse ecosystem that resists common threats like the Emerald Ash Borer or Dutch Elm Disease. In this guide, we will preview how to apply these numbers to your property so you can plant with total confidence.” Page 2 of 33

What is the 10%-20%-30% Rule? When planning for and planting trees in an urban / community forest, including no more than the percentages defined below, allows for good biodiversity. • 10% for the Species of trees. For example, Red Oak, and White Oak are separate Species of trees. • 20% for the Genus of trees. For example, all Oaks are in the same Genus of trees. • 30% for the Family of trees. For example, Oaks, Beeches, and Chestnuts are in the same tree Family. Page 3 of 33

The approved Tree List for Planting in the Town of West Seneca last revised in December 2024 is located on the Town’s website: https://www.westseneca.gov/212/Tree-Maintenance-Replacement Page 4 of 33

Use of Tree Keeper Data by the Town of West Seneca Highway Department October 2026 Page 5 of 33

Tree Keeper Program and Data Usage • During the tree inventory grant implementation, Davey Resource Group collected data in the Tree Keeper software program while performing the tree inventory along the right-of-way of Town owned streets. Upon completion, the Tree Keeper software and inventory data were provided to the Town Highway Department. • Per input from Brian Adams, Highway Superintendent, in September 2026, the Town of West Seneca Highway Department is currently using the tree keeper program as a reference and maintenance plan with our inhouse tree crew for removal of potential hazardous trees, pruning, and maintenance on recommendations from the arborist. The town’s crews update the program and make notes when a site is visited to keep an up-to-date log of the work performed. Page 6 of 33

Tree Keeper Program and Data Usage • The Town’s past methods for tree management were reactive, we identified trees for removal, removed them, and then looked for areas to plant new trees when they are donated or purchased. This grant has enabled us to begin to proactively manage the Town’s urban forestry and tree canopy through prioritization and application of the necessary resources. • Having these new tools on hand allows us to work toward the realization of the long-term vision described in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. Specifically, the sections for Natural Resources & Sustainability and the Vision Statement which includes actively promoting environmental quality and sustainability. Page 7 of 33

Town of West Seneca Grant for a Tree Inventory and Community Forest Management Plan Presented: October 2, 2025 Page 8 of 33

Town of West Seneca Grant for a Tree Inventory and Community Forest Management Plan ● In June of 2023, the Town of West Seneca in coordination with the Town of West Seneca Environmental Commission applied for Round 16 of the grants in the amount of $75,000 from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for a Tree Inventory and Community Forest Management Plan. ● In late December 2023 the Town received notification that the grant had been awarded. ● A major change in the NYSDEC grant contracting system delayed the contract for the grant that was finally signed in December 2024. Page 9 of 33

Town of West Seneca Grant for a Tree Inventory and Community Forest Management Plan ● In the Spring of 2025 following the Town’s process for selecting professional service providers, bids were received from certified Arborist companies for the work to be performed for the grant. ● After review and some negotiation, the Town selected Davey Resource Group (DRG) to provide the required professional services. ● On August 5, 2025, the grant team kick-off meeting was held with representatives from the Town Highway Dept. Town Board, the Environmental Commission, DRG, and the NYSDEC Regional Foresters. Page 10 of 33

Town of West Seneca Grant for a Tree Inventory and Community Forest Management Plan ● The tree inventory began in mid-August 2025 focusing of the Town’s Right-Of-Way along Town owned streets. ● It is important to note that receiving the $75,000 grant amount is dependent on completion of the work outlined in the grant, and passing an inspection by the NYSDEC Regional Forester. ● There is also a requirement to provide quarterly status reports to NYSDEC until the work is completed. Page 11 of 33

Inventory Process Overview ● Professional arborists conduct comprehensive survey ● Use advanced mapping technologies ● Collect detailed tree data ● Create digital forest management database Page 12 of 33

Why Tree Inventories Matter ● Strategic forestry planning ● Prioritize maintenance needs ● Assess potential infrastructure risks ● Support long-term environmental health ● Enable data-driven decision making Page 13 of 33

Community Benefits of Healthy Trees ● Improve local air quality ● Reduce urban heat island effect ● Lower energy costs for residents ● Increase property values ● Enhance community aesthetic appeal Page 14 of 33

Biodiversity and Tree Health ● Diverse tree species create resilient ecosystems ● Protects against total forest loss ● Supports local wildlife habitats ● Prevents monoculture vulnerabilities Page 15 of 33

Emerald Ash Borer: A Cautionary Tale ● Invasive beetle devastating ash tree populations ● Demonstrates risks of low tree diversity ● Potential to destroy entire ash tree species ● Highlights importance of proactive forest management Page 16 of 33

Community Engagement Strategy ● Public information sessions ● Online forest map ● Volunteer tree planting programs ● Educational workshops on community forestry Page 17 of 33

Expected Outcomes ● Comprehensive urban and community forestry management plan ● Enhanced community tree coverage ● Improved environmental resilience ● Data-driven maintenance strategies Page 18 of 33

Expected Outcomes ● Additionally, the award of and completion of this initial grant opens the door to applying for additional grants to further enhance the community forest in the Town of West Seneca. Questions and Answers Thank You! Page 19 of 33

TREE INVENTORY SUMMARY West Seneca, New York Page 20 of 33 Davey Resource Group

Inventoried Sites: 10,854 Right of Way Sites Stocking Level Stocking Level: 76% Stocking Level: 76% Stocking Level: ratio of trees Trees: 8,230 compared to available planting Stumps: 99 locations Planting Sites: 2,525 West Seneca Stocking Level: 76% Page 21 of 33

Tree Biodiversity: Species The 10-20-30 Rule Street Trees (ROW) Page 22 of 33

Tree Biodiversity: Genus The 10-20-30 Rule Street Trees (ROW) Page 23 of 33

Tree Condition Condition Ratings Good: trees in Good condition have no significant issues. Fair: trees in Fair condition may have some issues which are likely to improve with time or maintenance (e.g., dead branches that can be removed during pruning, minor trunk wounds that the tree can heal over time). Poor: these trees have more significant issues which are not likely to improve with time or maintenance (e.g., large sections of dead canopy, decay cavities in the stem or roots). Dead: Dead trees show no signs of life. Page 24 of 33

Size Class Distribution Preponderance of Established Trees Increase planting of young trees to replace older trees as they age Page 25 of 33

Size Class Distribution and Condition Mature trees have the highest percentage of Poor & Dying trees and may require more budget allocation to maintain as they age Street Trees (ROW) Page 26 of 33

Tree Planting – Locations Recommendations for location Specifications Stock Photo Page 27 of 33

Tree Planting – Locations Recommendations for Locations DRG recommends planting the largest possible tree for each planting space. A TOTAL OF 2,525 POTENTIAL PLANTING SITES WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE ROW. THEY ARE SHOWN HERE IN THIS MAP. Page 28 of 33

Eco Systems Benefits iTREE Common Name Trees (#) CO₂ Sequestered (tons/year) Avoided Runoff (gal/year) Air Pollution Removed Replacement Value Additional Benefits (lbs/year) • Energy conservation Norway maple 1,822 25 162,037 560 $3,609,233 • Real estate value Silver maple 1,456 29 389,392 1,340 $5,143,293 • Mental and physical health improvement • Crime reduction Littleleaf linden 1,139 8 94,465 320 $2,113,916 • Education and recreation opportunities Callery pear 663 4 22,901 80 $528,509 Red maple 524 6 41,361 140 $832,307 Blue spruce 387 1 277,361 380 $503,568 Thornless 301 4 32,612 120 $877,613 honeylocust Apple spp. 214 1 4,330 20 $172,247 Japanese tree lilac 166 0 1,193 0 $50,502 Freeman maple 158 1 11,142 40 $146,756 All Other Trees 910 8 146,823 260 $1,451,467 Inventoried Total 8,175 90.2 1,522,542 3,920 $16,887,571 Page 29 of 33

Maintenance Recommendations Street Trees (ROW) Pruning Removals Page 30 of 33

Maintenance Recommendations Young Tree Training Prioritize training young trees in the 4”-6” in the first few years of the cycle. Page 31 of 33

KEY FINDINGS Summary • 8,230 trees, 99 stumps, and 2,525 vacant planting sites were inventoried citywide. • Maples are overrepresented (~51% of trees); future maple planting should be limited to uncommon species. • Overall tree condition is Fair–Good and can improve with proactive maintenance. • ROW stocking is 76%, indicating room for additional tree planting. • Inventoried trees provide ~$79,800 annually in ecosystem services. • Large-stature trees provide the greatest benefits and should be prioritized. Page 32 of 33

Thanks Questions? Jim Jenkins| Davey Resource Group Page 33 of 33