DEC Announces Third Round of Annual 'Buffer in a Bag' Program

DEC Announces Third Round of Annual 'Buffer in a Bag' Program

February 11, 2021 12:00 p.m.

Press Release from NYS DEC:

DEC Announces Third Round of Annual 'Buffer in a Bag' Program

Free Seedlings Available to Qualified Landowners for Streamside Plantings

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

today announced that the application period for the Trees for Tribs' Buffer in

a Bag Program is now open. Private and public landowners who qualify may

apply for a free bag of 25 tree and shrub seedlings for planting near

streams, rivers, or lakes to help stabilize banks, protect water quality, and

improve wildlife habitat.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "The goal of the Buffer in a Bag

program is to increase forested riparian buffers across the state by

encouraging landowners to undertake small-scale plantings. Streamside

plantings help decrease erosion, slow floodwaters, and protect fish and

wildlife habitat. Every landowner participating in this program is bolstering

DEC's efforts and our partners' work to protect water quality and safeguard

our communities from flooding."

To qualify, landowners must have property in New York State with at least

50 feet that borders a stream, river, or lake, and provide photos or a map of

the planting location. Previous recipients are encouraged to reapply to

continue to build their riparian buffer. Applicants are eligible for one bag of

25 seedlings and recipients are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. A

total of 500 bags will be available statewide for this round of applications.

Landowners in the

may be eligible

for additional assistance with streamside planting projects. For more details,

visit the

Seedlings are provided by DEC's Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga

Tree Nursery and the Trees for Tribs program is supported by the State's

Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Governor Cuomo's proposed 2021-

22 Executive Budget includes sustained record funding for the EPF at $300

million.

Visit DEC's website for more information about the

. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on

April 12. Contact

with questions and visit

on DEC's website to learn more.

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