NEW: Murray and McGovern Team with USDA to Announce $1 Million for Reforestation in Central Mass
Monday, August 20, 2012
"The landscape across cities and towns in Central Massachusetts, including homes, businesses, and neighborhoods, was devastated by the infestation of the Asian Longhorned Beetle," said Lieutenant Governor Murray.
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Ed Lambert were also on hand for the announcement in Worcester on Monday.
The DCR will be charged with implementing the grant, and officials estimated that the $1 million would allow them to plant 2,000 new trees in Worcester County.
“DCR is pleased to have the opportunity to participate in this grant program and be able to offer new trees to the communities that have been hardest hit by the Asian Longhorn Beetle infestation,” said DCR Commissioner Lambert.
“DCR remains committed to the eradication of the ALB beetle through continued education, surveying, beetle trapping efforts, removal of infested trees and regulatory enforcements.”
In the last four years, ALB teams on the local, state and federal level have removed more than 32,000 trees and replanted nearly 20,000 more throughout Worcester, Shrewsbury, Holden, West Boylston, Boylston and Auburn.
"This additional funding will go a long way towards helping communities still dealing with the biggest impact from the ALB eradication effort," said Congressman McGovern.
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