$350K grant will allow Holley to clear dead ash trees from popular park

Photos courtesy of Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District

HOLLEY – The popular Holley Falls and Canal Park has many dead ash trees, including trees that have toppled.

The Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District has been able to secure a $350,046 grant from the United States Forest Service to pay to clear out the dead trees.

Gov. Kathy Hochul last month announced the recipients of the Urban and Community Forest Grants. Soil and Water Conservation Districts applied on behalf of municipalities and communities that face environmental challenges due to climate change as well as economic disparities.

“As many residents of the Village of Holley and throughout Orleans County visit the park for hiking, fishing, and picnicking, keeping the park safe for visitors as well as protecting this environmental resource remained a high priority for our organization,” said Katie Sommerfeldt, district manager for Soil & Water in Orleans County.

“We are excited to take on new and challenging projects that will benefit the community we serve.”

The Village of Holley DPW will be doing the work over the next three years. Sommerfeldt said the work could start this winter.