DEC Announces $1.5 Million Available for Community Forest Conservation Grants
Grants Will Contribute to Goal of Conserving 30 Percent of New York State’s Lands and Waters by 2030
Informational Webinar Scheduled for Wednesday, October 21
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced $1.5 million is now available through the fourth round of the Community Forest Conservation Grant Program. The program funds the purchase of land or conservation easements by municipalities in New York State to establish or expand community-owned forests. Community forests sustain and protect wildlife habitat, promote clean air and water, increase public access to recreational opportunities and open space, and support livelihoods that are integral to our State’s working lands economy.
“New York is investing in land conservation to protect our natural landscapes, preserve outdoor spaces, and deliver lasing environmental, economic and recreational benefits for local communities,” said Commissioner Lefton. “These grants support our efforts to help keep forests as forests and builds on thoughtful and robust land conservation for future generations.”
The program funds the purchase of land or conservation easements by municipalities in New York State to establish or expand community-owned forests. These projects contribute to the State’s goals of conserving 30% of New York’s lands and waters by 2030 and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Municipalities may submit grant proposals for a minimum of $50,000 up to a maximum of $500,000. No match is required for DEC’s Community Forest Conservation Grant Program. Successful bidders will receive funding in installments upon completing specific stages of the land conservation and acquisition process. Expenses eligible for payment 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.
To be eligible for acquisition, 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. It is anticipated that a community forest funded by this grant would be open to the public within approximately 24 months of closing.
DEC is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, October 21, at 10 a.m. to provide interested bidders with information on the application requirements, funding details, and how to use the new State Financial System (SFS) for grants.
The Community Forest Conservation Grant Program is funding by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The 2026-27 enacted New York State Budget included $425 million for the EPF and an additional $25 million from the Sustainable Future Program to provide a record $450 million for critical environmental programs, such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, enhanced recreational access, water quality improvement, and an aggressive environmental justice agenda.
For more information about this grant program and how to apply, visit DEC’s website.
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