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 PRESS RELEASE MAYOR'S FUND RAISES SUPPORT FOR CLEAN-UP AND RESTORATION EFFORTS AFTER STORM UPROOTS AND DESTROYS HUNDREDS OF NYC TREES Tuesday's storm caused significant damage, uprooting or destroying more than 500 New York City trees (approximately 300 in parks and 200 street trees). The storm's impact on the landscapes and the ecosystems they support will be felt for years. Central Park was the hardest hit with over 200 trees destroyed and hundreds more damaged, mostly between 90th and 110th Streets. Other parks included Riverside Park, Randall's Island and Thomas Jefferson Park. In addition, at least 1,000 other trees suffered damage. Today Mayor Bloomberg encouraged New Yorkers who want to help support the clean-up and restoration efforts to make donations to the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, which will distribute donations to aid the affected landscapes. "Central Park, Riverside Park, and other parks suffered unparalleled damage," said Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe. "Hundreds of large old trees, some more than 100 years old, were destroyed and the landscape altered. We now need to replant them and restore the historic landscapes." "From an economic standpoint, this devastating event could not have come at a worse time for Central Park, said Central Park Conservancy President Douglas Blonsky. "This is the worst destruction we've seen since the Conservancy was created 29 years ago. We need the public's support now more than ever." "Riverside Park is defined by its remarkable collection of specimen trees. This week's storm has created major challenges to maintaining this historic park," said Riverside Park Administrator John Herrold. "The Riverside Park Fund will work together with the Parks Department to reinvigorate the landscape originally created by Olmsted and Vaux." Donations can be sent by check to: Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, One Centre Street, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10007 with a note on the check that the donation is for "NYC Tree Relief." For more information call 311 (212-NEW-YORK). MEDIA CONTACT: |  |
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