New York City Council
Committee on Parks and Recreation
Jan 30, 2025
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 27 min
Summary
A hearing on preventing brush fires in NYC parks, addressing the increasing threat due to recent drought conditions and climate change impacts.
Discussions focused on the challenges in fighting these fires, including difficult terrain and lack of water access in some areas.
The hearing explored proposed legislation for a wildfire mitigation plan and tree maintenance prioritization criteria. Debates centered on the need for increased funding, staffing, specialized equipment, and training to better prevent and respond to brush fires.
Features testimony from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), NYC Parks Department, environmental groups, park advocates, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Krishnan introduces joint hearing on preventing brush fires in parks
Council Member Shekar Krishnan, chair of the NYC Council's Committee on Parks and Recreation, introduces a joint hearing with the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management to discuss preventing brush …
0:00:24
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29 sec
Council Member Krishnan emphasizes the growing threat of brush fires in NYC parks
Council Member Krishnan highlights the increasing urgency of mitigating brush and wildfire threats in New York City's parks, drawing parallels to recent devastating wildfires in other parts of the country. …
0:00:53
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84 sec
Council Member Krishnan recaps recent drought and brush fire incidents in NYC
Council Member Krishnan provides a detailed account of the recent drought and brush fire incidents that occurred in New York City during fall 2024 and early 2025. - Describes the …
0:02:18
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168 sec
Council Member Krishnan introduces legislation for a wildfire mitigation plan
Council Member Krishnan introduces a pre-considered bill that would require the NYC Parks Department to develop a specific plan to mitigate wildfire occurrences in parks. - Emphasizes the need for …
0:05:07
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92 sec
Council Member Krishnan discusses proposed legislation for tree maintenance prioritization
Council Member Krishnan introduces and discusses Intro 800, a bill sponsored by Council Member Nantasha Williams, which focuses on tree maintenance prioritization criteria. - Explains that the bill would require …
0:06:40
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73 sec
Council Member Krishnan concludes opening statement and introduces other council members
Council Member Krishnan wraps up his opening statement and introduces other council members present at the hearing. - Lists the council members in attendance, both in person and via Zoom …
0:07:53
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31 sec
Council members Ariola and Krishnan introduce the hearing on brush fires in NYC parks
Council Members Joann Ariola and Shekar Krishnan open a joint hearing of the NYC City Council committees on Parks and Recreation and Fire and Emergency Management to discuss preventing brush …
0:08:25
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112 sec
Council Member Williams discusses the importance of tree maintenance legislation
Council Member Nantasha M. Williams expresses her support for the proposed legislation on tree maintenance prioritization. She emphasizes the significance of tree-related issues in her district and the need for …
0:10:21
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113 sec
FDNY chief introduces testimony on preventing brush fires in NYC parks
John Esposito, Chief of Department for the New York City Fire Department, introduces himself and the purpose of his testimony before the Fire and Emergency Management Committee and the Committee …
0:13:50
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25 sec
Recent brush fire events and lessons learned from the West Coast
Chief Esposito discusses recent brush fire events in Los Angeles and his trip to California to learn from their experiences. He highlights the dangerous and destructive nature of these fires …
0:14:16
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38 sec
Surge in brush fires in New York City during fall 2024
Chief Esposito details the significant increase in brush fires experienced in New York City during the fall of 2024. He provides statistics to illustrate the severity of the situation and …
0:14:54
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60 sec
Challenges faced in combating brush fires in NYC parks
Chief Esposito outlines the various challenges faced by the FDNY in combating brush fires in New York City parks. These challenges include environmental conditions, terrain difficulties, and resource limitations. - …
0:15:56
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41 sec
FDNY's response and innovative techniques in fighting brush fires
Chief Esposito details the FDNY's response to brush fires and the innovative techniques employed to combat them effectively. He highlights the use of various tools and technologies to enhance firefighting …
0:16:38
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62 sec
Creation of brush fire task force and future improvements in FDNY capabilities
Chief Esposito announces the creation of FDNY's first-ever brush fire task force and outlines plans for enhancing the department's capabilities in combating brush fires. He emphasizes the commitment to protecting …
0:17:42
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54 sec
Interagency coordination and FDNY's commitment to evolving brush fire response
Chief Esposito discusses the FDNY's efforts to expand coordination with other city agencies and reaffirms the department's commitment to evolving their approach to brush fire response. He concludes by thanking …
0:18:37
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58 sec
Introduction of Parks Department representatives
Marit Larsen, Assistant Commissioner of Natural Resources and Planning for NYC Parks, introduces herself and her colleagues to the City Council committees on Parks and Recreation and Fire and Emergency …
0:19:41
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28 sec
Parks Department's role in brush fire response and coordination with FDNY
Marit Larsen outlines the Parks Department's role in responding to brush fires in city parks and their coordination with the FDNY. - Emphasizes the importance of protecting New Yorkers and …
0:20:10
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76 sec
Recent brush fire incidents in NYC parks during the 2024 drought
Marit Larsen discusses the recent increase in brush fires in NYC parks, particularly during the historic drought in late 2024. - Explains that all natural vegetated areas can be susceptible …
0:21:27
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65 sec
Post-fire recovery efforts and improvements in fire response
Marit Larsen outlines the Parks Department's efforts to learn from recent brush fires and improve their response protocols. - Mentions the creation of an internal effort to refine fire response …
0:22:32
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55 sec
Proactive brush fire prevention measures in NYC parks
Marit Larsen details the Parks Department's proactive efforts to prevent brush fires in the city's natural areas. - Mentions the forest management framework, a 25-year plan for managing and restoring …
0:23:28
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64 sec
Importance of public cooperation in preventing brush fires
Marit Larsen emphasizes the critical role of public cooperation in preventing brush fires in NYC parks. - Reminds New Yorkers to follow park rules and act responsibly to prevent fires …
0:24:33
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63 sec
Discussion of Pre-considered Intro 3015 on wildfire mitigation plans
Marit Larsen addresses the proposed legislation, Pre-considered Intro 3015, which would require the Parks Department to develop a wildfire mitigation plan. - Expresses appreciation for the intent of the legislation …
0:25:37
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15 sec
Discussion of Intro 800 on tree maintenance prioritization criteria
Marit Larsen addresses Intro 800, which would codify the criteria for prioritizing tree maintenance work in NYC parks. - Explains current tree risk management practices and industry standards used by …
0:25:53
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105 sec
Conclusion and offer to answer questions
Marit Larsen concludes her testimony and offers to answer questions from the council. - Thanks the council for the opportunity to testify - Expresses gratitude for the council's support of …
0:27:40
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13 sec
Council Member Krishnan requests lessons learned from recent brush fires
Council Member Shekar Krishnan opens the Q&A session by thanking FDNY and Parks Department for their testimony and responsiveness to recent fires. He asks both agencies to share lessons learned …
0:27:55
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80 sec
FDNY Chief Esposito discusses lessons learned and equipment needs for brush fires
FDNY Chief John Esposito responds to Council Member Krishnan's question about lessons learned from recent brush fires. He focuses on the department's realization of equipment needs and placement for more …
0:29:16
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70 sec
Parks Department's Marit Larsen outlines lessons learned and communication improvements
Assistant Commissioner Marit Larsen of the Parks Department responds to Council Member Krishnan's question about lessons learned from recent brush fires. She emphasizes the importance of communication and clearly defined …
0:30:31
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68 sec
Council Member Krishnan inquires about Parks Department staff training and fire response equipment
Council Member Shekar Krishnan asks follow-up questions about the frequency of trainings for Parks Department staff and whether the department has any equipment for fighting fires. - Krishnan inquires about …
0:31:39
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40 sec
Discussion on frequency and content of Parks Department staff training for emergencies
Council Member Krishnan asks for specific details about the frequency and content of Parks Department staff training for emergency situations, particularly brush fires. Parks Department representatives Marit Larsen and Norman …
0:32:19
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163 sec
Recommendations for increased training frequency and maintenance of fire-prone areas
Council Member Krishnan recommends increasing the frequency of trainings for both new and experienced staff, especially leading up to summer and fall. He then inquires about the maintenance of areas …
0:35:03
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85 sec
Identification and protection of areas vulnerable to brush fires
Council Member Krishnan inquires about the Parks Department's efforts to identify areas more vulnerable to brush fires and their plans to protect these areas. Marit Larsen responds with information on …
0:36:28
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67 sec
Discussion on fire hydrant access in parks and FDNY's water sourcing strategies
Council Member Krishnan raises concerns about fire hydrant access in parks, particularly referencing an incident in Inwood. FDNY Chief John Esposito explains their strategies for sourcing water in various situations. …
0:37:36
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86 sec
Inquiry into data tracking, surveillance, and preventative measures for brush fires
Council Member Krishnan inquires about the Parks Department's efforts in tracking fire frequency, identifying vulnerable areas, and implementing preventative measures based on weather conditions. Marit Larsen responds with information on …
0:39:03
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136 sec
Council Member Krishnan emphasizes importance of increased data tracking and interagency coordination
Council Member Shekar Krishnan concludes his questioning by emphasizing the importance of increased data tracking and interagency coordination in addressing brush fire risks. He also mentions the introduction of new …
0:41:19
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32 sec
Inquiry into brush fire locations and frequency in NYC parks
Council Member Ariola inquires about the recent surge in brush fires, particularly their locations and frequency in NYC parks. FDNY Chief Esposito responds that while exact locations aren't immediately available, …
0:41:51
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42 sec
Discussion on brush fire task force and FDNY's equipment needs
Council Member Ariola inquires about the budget implications of the newly created brush fire task force. FDNY Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods explains the task force's three phases and …
0:42:33
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153 sec
Parks Department budget impact on forest fire prevention
Council Member Krishnan inquires about the Parks Department's budgetary needs for addressing forest fires, particularly in light of recent budget cuts to the forestry division and natural areas. Assistant Commissioner …
0:45:09
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137 sec
FDNY's evaluation of brush fire risks in NYC
Council Member Ariola inquires about how the FDNY evaluates potential risks for brush fires in the city. Chief Esposito explains the department's approach to risk assessment, which includes the use …
0:47:32
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47 sec
Common causes of brush fires in NYC parks
Council Member Ariola asks about the most common causes of brush fires in parks. Chief Esposito explains the challenges in determining exact causes and lists potential sources of ignition. - …
0:48:20
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62 sec
FDNY's prohibition on fireworks and open flames during high-risk periods
Council Member Ariola inquires about FDNY's decision to prohibit fireworks and open flames citywide in response to brush fires. Chief Esposito explains the rationale behind this decision and its potential …
0:49:22
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66 sec
Enforcement efforts and challenges in NYC parks
Council Member Ariola discusses enforcement efforts against prohibited activities in parks and challenges with specific areas like Gateway Preserve and Spring Creek Preserve. Chief Esposito explains FDNY's proactive approach to …
0:50:28
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132 sec
Public outreach and signage for fire prevention in NYC parks
Council Member Ariola discusses the potential for improved public outreach and signage for fire prevention in parks, referencing past campaigns like Smokey the Bear. Matt Drury from the Parks Department …
0:52:40
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98 sec
Council Member Paladino discusses park maintenance and fire prevention measures
Council Member Vickie Paladino addresses the Parks Department about brush fire prevention, emphasizing the importance of proper park maintenance and staffing. She draws comparisons to California's wildfire issues and stresses …
0:54:19
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3 min
Council Member Ariola questions Parks Department on staffing and organization
Council Member Joann Ariola engages in a Q&A session with Parks Department representatives, focusing on staffing levels, organizational structure, and the challenges faced by the department in managing natural areas. …
0:57:54
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144 sec
Impact of delayed tree maintenance on urban infrastructure and safety
Council Member Williams inquires about the impact of delayed tree maintenance on urban infrastructure and public safety. She asks about potential risks associated with not addressing tree-related issues promptly. - …
1:00:34
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24 sec
Parks Department's response to tree-related service requests and inspection process
Assistant Commissioner Ben Osborne explains how the Parks Department handles tree-related service requests and conducts inspections. - The department receives over 100,000 service requests annually for tree-related issues. - Inspections …
1:01:02
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49 sec
Explanation of the tree maintenance prioritization system
Assistant Commissioner Osborne explains the tree maintenance prioritization system used by the Parks Department to mitigate risks effectively. - The system is designed to identify and address conditions presenting the …
1:01:52
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55 sec
Measures to maintain Queens' extensive tree coverage
Assistant Commissioner Osborne discusses the measures taken to maintain Queens' extensive tree coverage, which makes up about 36% of the city's street trees. - The Parks Department underwent a reorganization …
1:02:48
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81 sec
Staffing challenges in the Forestry Division and recruitment efforts
Assistant Commissioner Osborne discusses the staffing challenges faced by the Forestry Division and the efforts to recruit and train new personnel. - The pandemic created staffing challenges across many industries, …
1:04:09
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117 sec
Constituent complaints about tree-related issues and Parks Department's response
Council Member Williams presents several examples of constituent complaints regarding tree-related issues and asks how the proposed bill might have prevented or mitigated these problems. - Examples include leaning trees, …
1:06:08
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142 sec
Overview of tree maintenance process and plans for new forestry management system
Assistant Commissioner Osborne explains the current tree maintenance process and plans for a new forestry management system. - Tree maintenance consists of two components: response to public service requests and …
1:08:30
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3 min
Discussion on codifying tree maintenance criteria and improving transparency
Council Member Williams emphasizes the importance of codifying tree maintenance criteria and improving transparency in the process. - She reiterates the need for making tree maintenance assessment and prioritization information …
1:12:08
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114 sec
Council Member De La Rosa expresses gratitude for FDNY's response to Inwood Hill Park fire
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa begins by thanking the FDNY for their swift response to a fire incident in Inwood Hill Park. She acknowledges the scary situation for …
1:14:17
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33 sec
Investigation into the cause of the Inwood Hill Park fire
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the official cause of the fire in Inwood Hill Park. Chief of Department John Esposito responds that despite an investigation by the Bureau …
1:14:50
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19 sec
Monitoring systems and procedures for fire reignition
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about metrics and monitoring systems in place to assess the likelihood of fire reignition, noting that the Inwood Hill Park fire continued to reignite …
1:15:09
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50 sec
FDNY task force for brush fires and associated budgetary needs
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the FDNY task force created to address brush fires and the budgetary enhancements necessary for its effectiveness. Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods …
1:15:59
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105 sec
Parks Department involvement in fire prevention response planning
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the inclusion of the Parks Department in fire prevention response planning through the FDNY task force. Chief of Department John Esposito confirms that …
1:17:45
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23 sec
Detailed explanation of fire response phases
Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods provides a comprehensive explanation of the pre-fire, active fire, and post-fire phases in response to Council Member De La Rosa's question. He details the …
1:18:09
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102 sec
FDNY's hydrant inspection capacity
Council Member De La Rosa inquires about the FDNY's capacity to conduct adequate inspections of hydrants. Chief of Fire Operations Kevin Woods provides a clear and concise response. - FDNY …
1:19:51
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17 sec
Criticism of centralized tree maintenance system
Council Member Robert F. Holden expresses his dissatisfaction with the centralized tree maintenance system, stating that it has worsened since its implementation. He introduces his concerns and sets the stage …
1:20:28
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24 sec
Example of poor tree maintenance: vinyl covering killing a newly planted tree
Council Member Holden shares a specific example of poor tree maintenance, detailing an incident where a newly planted tree died due to a vinyl covering placed by a homeowner. - …
1:20:53
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57 sec
Issues with tree stump removal and lack of new tree plantings
Council Member Holden expresses frustration with the lack of progress on tree stump removal and new tree plantings, despite allocated funding for these purposes. - Holden mentions stumps that haven't …
1:21:50
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10 sec
Example of unexplained removal of a healthy-looking tree
Council Member Holden recounts an incident where a seemingly healthy and beautiful tree was unexpectedly removed without proper explanation from the Parks Department. - A large, apparently healthy tree was …
1:22:01
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91 sec
Discussion of proposed bill to codify tree maintenance standards and frustration with complaint responses
Council Member Holden advocates for the proposed bill to codify tree maintenance standards and expresses frustration with the lack of satisfactory responses to constituent complaints about trees. - Holden mentions …
1:23:33
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163 sec
Parks Department's response on tree risk management and assessment methods
Parks Department representatives respond to Council Member Holden's concerns, explaining their tree risk management program and assessment methods, while addressing the proposed bill to codify tree maintenance standards. - The …
1:26:19
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3 min
Issues with tree planting practices and need for public education on tree care
Council Member Holden raises concerns about tree planting practices and emphasizes the need for better public education on proper tree care to ensure tree health and prevent sidewalk damage. - …
1:29:28
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98 sec
Council Member Krishnan addresses concerns about tree maintenance and Parks Department contractors
Council Member Shekar Krishnan expresses concerns about tree maintenance and care across the city, focusing on the Parks Department's use of contractors. He emphasizes the need for the Parks Department …
1:31:09
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131 sec
Council Member Narcisse questions officials on park hydrants, homeless encampments, and tree maintenance
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse engages in a Q&A session with FDNY and Parks Department officials, focusing on issues related to park maintenance and fire prevention. She inquires about hydrant maintenance, …
1:33:21
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4 min
Council Member Krishnan advocates for increased Parks Department funding to address forest fires
Council Member Shekar Krishnan questions Parks Department officials about the impact of budget cuts on their ability to prevent and respond to forest fires in NYC parks. He emphasizes the …
1:37:23
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4 min
Testimony by Daniel Abram, Director of Policy at New Yorkers for Parks, on Preventing Brush Fires in NYC Parks
Daniel Abram from New Yorkers for Parks testified on the urgent need to prevent and mitigate brush fires in NYC parks. He highlighted the underfunding of the Parks Department's Natural …
1:43:14
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140 sec
Testimony by Leila Mougoui Bakhtiari, Director of Landscape Management at Prospect Park Alliance
Leila Mougoui Bakhtiari, Director of Landscape Management at Prospect Park Alliance, testified about the importance of proper funding and management for natural areas in NYC parks, highlighting a recent fire …
1:45:38
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131 sec
Council member inquires about forest fire damage in Prospect Park
Council Member Shekar Krishnan asks Leila Mougoui Bakhtiari from the Prospect Park Alliance about the extent of damage caused by a recent forest fire in Prospect Park. Bakhtiari explains the …
1:47:49
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95 sec
Council member addresses staffing and budget needs for park management
Council Member Shekar Krishnan discusses staffing and budget needs for managing natural areas in parks, particularly in response to situations like the Prospect Park fire. He emphasizes the importance of …
1:49:25
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55 sec
Discussion on fire fuels and maintenance in Prospect Park
Council Member Robert F. Holden inquires about the factors that fueled the fire in Prospect Park and discusses the importance of maintenance in preventing and controlling fires in natural areas. …
1:50:20
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134 sec
Testimony by Deaunte Johnson, Policy Fellow at New York League of Conservation Voters
Deaunte Johnson, representing the New York League of Conservation Voters, testified about the importance of well-managed parks and green spaces in combating brush fires and other climate-related issues in New …
1:52:41
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120 sec
Testimony by Emily Walker, Senior Manager of External Affairs at Natural Areas Conservancy
Emily Walker from the Natural Areas Conservancy expresses concern about recent brush fires in NYC parks and the impact of budget cuts on forest management positions. She emphasizes the need …
1:55:22
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129 sec
Council member acknowledges understaffing in natural areas
Council Member Shekar Krishnan acknowledges the testimony about the importance of natural areas funding and expresses concern about understaffing for natural area care and fire prevention. He emphasizes that the …
1:57:34
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77 sec
Council member inquires about ideal staffing levels for natural areas
Council Member Shekar Krishnan expresses disbelief at the current staffing levels for natural areas and inquires about the ideal staffing levels as recommended in a report by the Natural Areas …
1:58:51
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82 sec
Testimony by Scott Middleton, Executive Director of Marine Park Alliance
Scott Middleton, Executive Director of Marine Park Alliance, testified about the frequent brush fires in Marine Park, Brooklyn's largest park, and the challenges faced in managing and preventing these fires. …
2:00:15
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139 sec
Testimony by Marshall Lee Weimer, City Forester from Manhattan Borough Forestry and NYC Parks
Marshall Lee Weimer, a city forester with Manhattan Borough Forestry and NYC Parks, testified about the need for more funding and staff to mitigate wildfire concerns in NYC parks. He …
2:02:52
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153 sec
Testimony by Christina Taylor, Deputy Director of Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, on Parks Funding and Brush Fire Prevention
Christina Taylor, Deputy Director of Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, testifies about the need for consistent parks funding to prevent brush fires and maintain natural areas. She expresses frustration with annual …
2:05:30
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145 sec
Testimony by Jack Spillane, Recording Secretary of Uniformed Fire Officers Association, on Wildland Firefighting Equipment and Challenges
Jack Spillane, representing the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, testified about the challenges faced by firefighters when dealing with brush fires in NYC parks. He emphasized the need for specialized equipment …
2:08:14
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137 sec
Council Member Ariola addresses fire department funding concerns
Council Member Joann Ariola responds to Jack Spillane's testimony by acknowledging the fire department's budget issues and committing to fight for increased funding. She emphasizes the importance of the fire …
2:10:31
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116 sec
Jack Spillane emphasizes benefits of proper gear and training
Jack Spillane adds a final point to his testimony, highlighting the benefits of proper gear and training for firefighters in addressing park fires. - Spillane notes that better gear and …
2:12:27
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19 sec
Council Member Krishnan emphasizes the need for increased funding for Parks and FDNY
Council Member Shekar Krishnan responds to the previous testimony by emphasizing the importance of adequate funding for both the Parks Department and FDNY. He acknowledges the critical role these agencies …
2:12:46
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43 sec
Testimony by Fay Hill, Member of Queens Community Board 13, on Tree Maintenance
Fay Hill, a long-time resident of Queens and member of Community Board 13, testified in support of Intro 800-2024, emphasizing the critical need for proper tree maintenance in New York …
2:14:30
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3 min
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies in opposition to a proposed bill that would shift responsibility for fire mitigation from the Fire Department to the Parks Department. He argues that this change …
2:18:13
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158 sec
Testimony by Kat Lafferty, Community Gardener and Environmentalist
Kat Lafferty, a long-time resident of Hell's Kitchen and community gardener, testified about park issues, community gardens, and brush fire mitigation. She expressed support for proposed legislation and advocated for …
2:22:21
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162 sec