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DEC Now Accepting Applications for Annual Buffer in a
Bag Program
Published: March 03, 2024 t 11:00 a.m.
By: Press Release from NYS DEC
DEC Now Accepting Applications for Annual Buffer in a
Bag Program
Free Seedlings Available to Qualified Landowners for
Streamside Plantings
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos has announced the application period for the
agency’s ‘Buffer in a Bag’ program opens on Friday, March
1. The Buffer in a Bag program supports Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State commitment to
plant 25 million trees by 2033 to invigorate New York State’s
tree planting efforts, advance steps to meet the Climate Leadership and
Community Protection Act’s net-zero goal, and grow the state’s vital forest
products industry.
"Planting
along streams creates woodland buffers that are critically important for
keeping soil in place, slowing floodwaters, intercepting pollution, and
providing food and shelter for wildlife," said Commissioner Seggos. "Buffer in a Bag participants
are helping to advance New York State's efforts to achieve our statewide 25
million tree planting commitment and reforest riparian areas, making these
areas more resilient to severe weather impacts."
Qualifying
private and public landowners 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, combat climate change, and improve wildlife
habitat.
To qualify,
landowners must have property in New York State with at least 50 feet
bordering a stream, river, or lake. Previous recipients are encouraged to
reapply to continue to build riparian buffers. Applicants are eligible for
one bag of 25 seedlings and recipients are chosen on a first-come,
first-served basis. A total of 250 bags will be available statewide during
this round of applications.
Seedlings are
provided by DEC's Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery.
The Buffer in a Bag Program is managed by DEC's Division of Lands and
Forests and supported by the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).
Governor Kathy Hochul's 2024-25 Executive Budget sustains the EPF at a
historic $400 million. 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 application
period closes at 3 p.m. on April 17, 2024, or when supply runs out,
whichever comes first. Visit DEC's website for more information about the
Buffer in a Bag application process and requirements.
Landowners in
the Hudson River Estuary watershed (PDF) may be
eligible for additional free trees and planting assistance through the
Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs Program. The next
application due date for the Hudson River Estuary program is Aug. 1.
Visit DEC's website for more information.
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