MakingWaves - Don't Flush Wipes; Plant a Tree to Protect Water; Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Funding Opportunity

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 04/24/2020 10:00 AM EDT
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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MakingWaves - News from the Division of Water

In this Issue:

  • Don't Flush Wipes or Other Garbage
  • Happy Arbor Day - Plant a Tree to Protect Our Waters
  • US Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Funding

Don't Flush Wipes or Other Garbage

Wipes in treatment plant

Certain materials flushed down toilets can damage sewer systems, wastewater treatment operations, or private septic systems, even when they are labeled as flushable. Correcting the damage is expensive, so do not flush any of the items listed below, no matter how small. Please throw them in the trash. 

  • diapers
  • baby wipes
  • disinfectant wipes
  • personal hygiene products
  • any paper products other than toilet paper (e.g., paper towels, facial tissues, paper napkins)

Clogged treatment systems are expensive to clean out.

Happy Arbor Day - Plant a Tree to Protect Our Waters

Arbor Day is a national observance that celebrates the important role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care. In New York, Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated the last Friday in April. Trees are essential to our economy and a healthy environment, including clean water. For example, trees planted as part of a riparian buffer along streams and other water bodies help protect water quality and aquatic habitat. For those interested in planting 25 or more trees, DEC's annual Spring seedling sale is open until May 15.  

US Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Funding

Riparian Buffer

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service anticipates that up to $4.2 million will be available for tree planting and forest health improvement in the Great Lakes Basin through the GLRI (Great Lakes Restoration Initiative). This funding is to assist organizations and communities that are taking creative approaches to improve habitats and water quality. Applications must be prepared and submitted by June 26, 2020 through Grants.gov. We advise prospective applicants to contact DEC's Lands & Forests and/or Great Lakes staff soon to discuss their projects: glakes@dec.ny.gov. For more information, go to the Forest Service's GLRI webpage.  

An informational webinar about this funding opportunity will be held May 12, 10 a.m. Eastern/9 a.m. Central. Go online to register and for more information.