Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced a new online tool, the ‘Tree Tracker,’ to monitor New York State’s ambitious plan to plant 25 million trees by 2033. Developed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in collaboration with the Office of Information Technology Services, this interactive platform enables state agencies, organizations, private entities, and individuals to log tree plantings, contributing to the state’s reforestation goals.
“New York is taking decisive action to protect our environment and strengthen communities’ ability to withstand severe weather,” Governor Hochul stated. “Our progress toward the 25 Million Tree goal is a testament to the power of community-driven action, and the new Tree Tracker will make it easier for New Yorkers to track our progress, share updates, and contribute to a healthier environment for the future.”
Trees planted from 2024 onward are eligible for inclusion in the Tree Tracker. Users can input details such as the number and location of trees planted, along with optional information like planting dates, species, and tree sizes. The platform features an interactive map displaying planting projects across the state and provides tallies by region, county, and municipality, allowing users to monitor progress toward the 25 million tree target.
The 25 Million Trees Initiative, announced in Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State address, allocated $32 million from the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act to modernize the state’s tree nursery and develop technology to track reforestation efforts. An additional $15 million was included in the Executive Budget to support resilient reforestation projects. This initiative aims to invigorate statewide tree planting efforts, send a clear market signal to private nurseries, and advance the state’s climate goals.
