One million dollars in grant funding is available through the third round of New York State’s Community Forest Conservation Grant Program. Municipalities may apply for funding to purchase land or conservation easements to establish community forests.
Community forests can sustain and protect wildlife habitat, promote clean air and water, yield forest products like timber and maple syrup, improve a community’s climate resilience, and increase access to recreation opportunities and open space.
Projects supported by this grant will contribute to New York’s goal to conserve 30% of its lands and waters by 2030. This program is funded by the Environmental Protection Fund.
Municipalities may submit bids for a minimum of $50,000 up to a maximum of $300,000. A 10 percent match is required. Acquired properties must be 10 or more contiguous acres, have forests on at least 75 percent of the property, be accessible to the public, and provide public benefits such as recreation opportunities, flood mitigation, wildlife habitat, clean water, and forest products.
The deadline to apply for the Community Forest Conservation Grant is 3 pm on Wednesday, September 17. Applications must be submitted through NYS Statewide Financial System (SFS) for grants.
DEC held a webinar on June 25 to provide information on the application requirements, funding details, and how to use the SFS Grants Management System. Visit DEC’s website to access the webinar recording and learn more about the Community Forest Conservation Grant Program.
Photo of a family hiking provided by DEC.
Source link
