February 19, 2019 - Due to an ash borer beetle infestation, the Town of Richmond has embarked on a multi-year forestry management program within Sandy Bottom Park. In the first phase of the program, large ash trees that pose a risk to the walking public and park infrastructure were removed and sent to salvage sale.
Logging can be a messy operation, and community members should be aware that restoring the forest will be an ongoing process for at least the next three years. With the support of Richmond’s Parks and Recreation Committee and Friends of Sandy Bottom Park, the Town has secured a Trees for Tributaries Grant to replant Sandy Bottom Park with native species. Planned planting dates are:
Arbor Day: April 26, 2019
Love Your Park Day: May 4, 2019
National Trails Day: June 1, 2019
Make a Difference Day: October 26, 2019
The forest is being managed in accordance with a NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Stewardship Plan for Sandy Bottom Park. Following a Forest Stewardship Plan has multiple added benefits for optimizing forest health, wildlife, recreation, and aesthetics within Sandy Bottom Park.
It is the desire of the Town of Richmond to keep Sandy Bottom Park safe for its residents and visitors, and to protect existing park infrastructure. To get the latest park updates and forthcoming information on volunteer opportunities, including tree replanting days, we invite you to follow Town of Richmond and Friends of Sandy Bottom Park on Facebook. You may also sign up for emails from the Town of Richmond.
