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.