Re-Tree WNY asks FEMA for extension
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Jeremy Sayers, a certified arborist for The Tree Doctor, believes the October storm-damaged trees should not be cut down immediately.

He said a lot depends on whether the tree will survive or not - the species, the amount of canopy damaged, the shape the tree was in before the storm, how strong the main branches are, the soil and other factors.

"Trees can find a way to survive," he said.

His recommendations are being considered by Re-Tree WNY, a group formed to reforest Western New York.

Paul Maurer, founder of Re-Tree, held a press conference on Thursday on Maynard Drive in Eggertsville, to announce the group's request for support in asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a one-year extension on reimbursement for removal of storm-damaged trees.

"We want to make sure that trees have the chance to leaf out ... and see if some will actually survive," Maurer said.

He added that the extension would allow towns to wait, and should the trees survive, it would in effect cost FEMA less than had the trees been removed now.

Re-Tree has signs, able to be downloaded from its Web site, www.retreewny.com, that residents are encouraged to put on trees they want to save.

Maurer said Re-Tree is looking for support in its campaign. He requested residents use ribbon or rubber bands to secure the sign, but to be sure not to damage the tree.

The sign reads, "Dear FEMA & SEMO, Please give me one more year - this tree." SEMO refers to the State Emergency Management Office.

According to Maurer, Sen. Charles Schumer has submitted a letter. At the Monday Town of Amherst work session, Supervisor Satish Mohan said Senator Hillary Clinton had also sent a letter.

In regards to Amherst, Mohan spoke at the press conference, saying a "massacre" of trees was a rumor going around that was untrue. He added that with or without an extension the Town of Amherst would evaluate the trees before cutting them.

Mohan said that if necessary, a bond could be used to pay for trees not cut before the current October deadline.

FEMA had not made an announcement on its decision of an extension prior to press time.