Grants Contribute to Goal of Conserving 30 Percent of New York State’s Lands and Waters by 2030 and Planting 25 Million Trees By 2033 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced $1 million for grants is now available through the third round of the State’s Community Forest Conservation Grant Program. Municipalities can use this funding to purchase land or conservation easements to create or expand community-owned forests to sustain and protect wildlife habitat, promote clean air and water, preserve biodiversity, and increase access to recreation opportunities and open space.  

“Keeping forests as forests is a cornerstone of DEC’s strategy to support working landscapes and help communities safeguard critical natural resources, ensure forests continue to contribute to local economies, protect jobs, and build more resilient, healthier communities across New York State,” said Commissioner Lefton. “Through programs like the State’s Community Forest Conservation grants, New York is supporting smart, locally driven investments that deliver environmental, economic, and public health benefits.” 

New York State’s forests absorb carbon and mitigate the impacts of climate change, improve a community’s climate resilience, and create opportunities for public access and outdoor recreation. DEC’s Community Forest Conservation Grant Program helps support these missions by funding projects that protect forest biodiversity, and the ecosystem benefits forests provide, including mitigating stormwater, regulating temperature, and sequestering carbon.  

Sustainably managed community forests can yield forest products like timber and maple syrup and create jobs and support livelihoods that are integral to New York State’s economic growth. Community forests are also educational spaces, providing opportunities for students to learn about forest ecology and land management, and offer guidance to local landowners to manage their forests sustainably. Funded projects also contribute to the State’s 30x30 goals of conserving 30 percent of New York’s lands and waters by 2030 and mitigating the impacts of climate change.  

Municipalities may apply for a minimum of $50,000 up to a maximum of $300,000. Awarded applicants will receive the funding in installments as they complete specific stages of the land acquisition process. Expenses eligible for reimbursement include, but are not limited to, the purchase price of the land or conservation easement, appraisal, survey and boundary marking, title search, environmental assessment, and management plan. 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 recreational opportunities, flood mitigation, wildlife habitat, clean water, and forest products. Applications are due by Sept. 17, 2025. 

DEC is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, June 25, at 10 a.m., to provide interested applicants with information on the program requirements, funding details, and how to use the new State Financial System for grants. To register for the webinar, visit: https://meetny-gov.webex.com/weblink/register/rad122039f6c5f7d7c904c2d6bc353bd8. 

To further enhance forest protection, DEC is working with partners across the state to implement Governor Hochul’s goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033. This goal furthers the State’s tree planting efforts, supports private nurseries, and bolsters New York’s vital forest products industry. Learn how the 25 Million Trees Initiative is enhancing tree planting and forest restoration efforts to improve climate resilience on DEC’s website. 

Funding for Community Forest Conservation Grant Program comes from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), which provides critical funding for environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, recreation access, water quality improvement, and environmental justice projects. Among the many environmental victories in the enacted FY2025-26 State Budget, Governor Hochul boosted EPF funding at $425 million, the highest level of funding in the program's history. 

To learn more information about this grant program and how to apply, visit DEC’s website.