$850,000 in Grants Now Available for Eligible Private Forest
Landowners
New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos
today announced that $850,000 in funding is now available in the third
round of the State's 'Regenerate NY' Forestry Cost Share Grant Program.
The grant program is designed to assist private landowners in growing the
next generation of forests, which are crucial for mitigating climate
change, providing wildlife habitat, protecting air and water quality, and
supplying an important renewable resource.
"New York's forests are
under continued pressure from development, competition from invasive
species, an overabundance of white-tailed deer, and the effects of
climate change," said
Commissioner Seggos. "Investing
in the establishment and resiliency of our forests is a critical
component for ensuring the continued ecosystem services that trees
provide. I encourage all interested landowners to take advantage of this
funding."
"Efforts to support and
grow private natural and working forest lands are a key climate
resilience strategy," said
New York State Forester Fiona Watt. "Regenerate
NY gives a vital boost to expand and restore private forests by promoting
forest regeneration and ecosystem health in the face of challenges from
invasive species, soil disturbance and climate change."
Regenerate NY is funded by
New York State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and managed by DEC's
Division of Lands and Forests. Private landowners planning to restore or
establish five or more acres of forest land in New York State, may apply for grant awards ranging from a
minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000, with a required 25 percent
match. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, planting trees,
soil scarification, removing competing vegetation that would interfere
with seedling establishment and growth, and installation of deer fence.
Applicants must work with a forester or a qualified natural resource
professional to develop their project. Up to two applications may be
submitted per applicant, provided the applications are for separate
properties.
In December 2022, Governor Hochul signed
legislation setting the goal to support and contribute to
national efforts to conserve at least 30 percent of U.S. land and water
by 2030. This law promotes biodiversity and preserves New York's
wildlife, forests, and clean water sources, which are all essential to
New York's health and economy. In the 2023-34 State Budget, Governor Hochul maintained EPF funding at $400 million, the
highest level of funding in the program's history. The EPF provides
funding 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.
"The New York Forest
Owner's Association applauds the Regenerate NY Forestry Cost Share Grant
Program," said
the organization's President, Stacey Kazacos. "Funding
stewardship and regeneration efforts will help ensure our forests
continue to support New York's rural economy, protect our water and air
quality, and sequester carbon, for generations to come. We look forward
to the long-term improvements this initiative will contribute to our
communities throughout the state."
"Investing in our
forests is one of the most cost-effective natural solutions to climate
change," said
John Bartow, Executive Director of the Empire State Forest Products
Association. "Regenerate NY is funding efforts
that will help ensure our forests continue to support New York's rural
economy, protect our water and air quality, and provide carbon
stewardship, for generations to come."
Applications can be submitted through the NYS Grants Gateway and
will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Oct. 6, 2023, or until funds are
depleted, whichever comes first. Grants will be awarded on a rolling
basis. Applicants need to establish an account in the Grants Gateway
System. Once registered, applicants can search the Grants Gateway for
"Regenerate NY." DEC is holding a webinar for interested
applicants on Wednesday, May 24, at 10 a.m. For instructions on how to
access the webinar via phone or computer, or for details
about the grant opportunity including application criteria,
visit DEC's website.
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