Section 53-0103. General functions of the department

The department may:
    1.  Act  in an advisory capacity to state agencies in matters relating
  to neighborhood improvement and to advise such  agencies  in  regard  to
  developing  organized  tree and other planting programs to promote urban
  neighborhood improvement and to enhance and conserve existing  tree  and
  green  space  resources  particularly  where  state  action results in a
  substantial destruction of trees or related vegetation.
    2. Advise, encourage and assist local governments in  the  development
  and  coordination  of policies, programs and activities, and in the full
  utilization of powers vested in local governments  by  the  constitution
  and  laws  of  the  state,  to  organize  such  tree  and other planting
  programs, to promote urban neighborhood improvement and to promote  tree
  and green space protection and maintenance.
    3.  Act  as  a  clearinghouse  for  information  on urban neighborhood
  improvement programs and organized tree and other planting  programs  in
  accordance with this article.
    4.   Prepare  and  circulate  model  ordinances,  relating  to  trees,
  appropriate to be used in implementation of section ninety-six-b of  the
  general municipal law or other applicable municipal authority, including
  but  not  limited  to  ordinances  or  local  laws  for  designation  by
  municipalities of historic or specimen  trees,  stands  and  groves,  or
  old-growth  forests,  and  to provide for the recognition and protection
  thereof.
    5. Take such other steps as are necessary to carry out the purpose  of
  this  article,  including the appointment of advisory committees, boards
  and task forces.