CNYRPDB USFS Forestry Q&A.pdf

This is a Questions and Answers document prepared by the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board (CNY RPDB) regarding the CNY Community Forestry Initiative, a comprehensive community forestry program spanning Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, and Oswego counties. The initiative aims to plant 3,600 trees over a three-year period across approximately 25 participating municipalities selected by the CNY RPDB. The scope of work includes four main components: community planning, tree procurement and planting, community outreach and education, and reporting and contract administration. The Q&A document clarifies key administrative details, including confirmation that the correct proposal submission deadline is Friday, August 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Tree Canopy Assessments will be completed only for municipalities that have agreed to participate in the program. Field-based tree inspections will be conducted as part of site assessments for potential planting sites located in eligible census tracts and specific target planting zones, rather than requiring a full tree inventory for each participating municipality.

The CNY Community Forestry Initiative is supported by grant funding awarded to the CNY RPDB in August 2024 through the USDA Forest Service Regional Urban and Community Forestry Program. No business enterprises have been awarded identical or substantially similar procurement contracts within the past five years, indicating this is a new initiative without incumbent contractors. The program represents a significant investment in urban and community forestry across the Central New York region, with the CNY RPDB managing the overall coordination and implementation of the initiative through qualified firm partnerships.