ITHACA, NY — New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang and members of her staff joined state partners across Tompkins County last week to support New York’s 25 Million Trees Initiative, a statewide effort led by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to plant 25 million trees by 2033. The initiative underscores New York’s commitment to environmental sustainability and highlights the importance of trees and forests for climate mitigation and community health.
Inspector General Lang and her team organized tree-planting events at five key sites in partnership with the New York State Police (NYSP), Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), and Cornell University:
- NYSP Troop C Barracks in Freeville;
- Robert H. Treman State Park;
- OCFS Finger Lakes Residential Center;
- OCFS MacCormick Secure Center; and
- Cornell Botanic Gardens
New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang said, “Our office is proud to support the 25 Million Trees initiative alongside our state and community partners. Environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility, and this effort reflects the strength of collaboration across agencies and institutional partners. By working together, we’re investing in a more sustainable future for all New Yorkers. Thank you to our partners at the Department of Environmental Conservation, State Police, State Parks, Office for Children & Family Services, and Cornell University.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Planting trees helps build resilient communities, ecosystems, and a healthier future. DEC is grateful to our government partners for leading this meaningful planting event. Thanks to the organizers and volunteers, saplings planted at these sites directly support reforestation efforts and will count toward Governor Kathy Hochul’s goal to plant 25 million trees in New York over the next decade.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Protecting our communities also involves protecting the environment we all share. Clean air and water are vital to public health and safety, and the State Police are proud to stand with our state agency partners in support of environmental stewardship and the long-term well-being of New Yorkers."
New York State Parks Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “Thank you to all our partners across New York State who are helping this important initiative take root. Governor Hochul’s commitment to planting trees will not only make our communities greener, but also help slow climate change, reduce air pollution, and lessen the effects of extreme weather. The 25 million trees planted by 2033 will benefit New Yorkers’ health and well-being for generations to come. A special thank you to Inspector General Lucy Lang for organizing the planting at Robert H. Treman State Park. Her enthusiasm and support exemplify the spirit of collaboration that makes initiatives like this thrive.”
New York State Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “I am so proud of the youth and staff at Finger Lakes Residential Center and MacCormick Secure Center who participated in this tree-planting initiative. This was a wonderful opportunity for the youth to learn about environmental responsibility and teamwork while also contributing in a positive way to the community. We look forward to ongoing partnerships with all of the participating agencies.”
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Governor’s 25 Million Trees effort is helping to advance the State’s climate goals and support New York’s forest products industry, which is important to our economy and to a cleaner, greener New York. I’m pleased to see that this initiative remains top of mind and appreciate the Inspector General’s commitment, as well as Cornell University and our fellow agencies’ collaboration, to help New York State reach its goal one tree at a time.”
Cornell Gardens’ Arboricultural Supervisor Daniel Weitoish said, “We were delighted to welcome 26 staff members from the New York State Inspector General’s Office to join us in planting red maple saplings as part of the statewide initiative to plant 25 million trees by 2033. These trees will not only enhance the beauty of the F. R. Newman Arboretum and Monkey Run Natural Area along the newly refurbished Dryden Rail Trail, but they will also help improve air quality, support biodiversity, and contribute to climate resilience for generations to come.”
Photos from the sapling plantings are available here.
The Offices of the New York State Inspector General:
Fostering confidence in New York State government by promoting integrity and transparency through oversight of covered agencies, their employees, and those doing business with the State.
To report wrongdoing, call 1-800-DO-RIGHT (367-4448) or visit ig.ny.gov.
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