The Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts Program is a new public-private partnership funded through the state Environmental Protection Fund and administered by the Alliance, in coordination with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The program offers competitive matching grants to qualified New York land trusts to increase the pace of forested land conservation to combat climate changes.
According to the 2020 New York State Forest Action Plan, “Privately owned forestlands cover 13.62 million acres and represent 74 percent of New York’s forests. 10.2 million acres are considered family-owned or non-corporate forests. Nearly 700,000 private forest landowners provide the public with the benefits of clean air and water, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, and a forest-based economy.” The plan identifies some of the biggest threats to keeping privately owned forests healthy and intact as follows: development pressure, inconsistent or lack of professional forest management practices, succession planning, and invasive pests which are often exacerbated by climate change and have the potential to devastate or completely wipe out entire tree species.
Land trusts are uniquely positioned to help private forest owners protect and manage their lands while also educating the public about the benefits of forest conservation to the environment and economy.
The Land Trust Alliance, with support from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Legislature, is pleased to announce a second round of competitive land trust grants through the New York State Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts Program.
This successful public-private partnership is funded through the state Environmental Protection Fund and administered by the Alliance, in coordination with the DEC.
Up to $1,350,000 is available through the 2023 grants round which will be awarded in the fall of 2023. Grant awards are contingent upon the receipt of state funds.
All LOIs/preapplications must be completed through our online application and reporting system.
The deadline for LOIs/preapplications, May 11 by 5 p.m. Eastern.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced in October nearly $1.35 million in awards to four land trusts in the Capital Region and the Finger Lakes to help protect and preserve local forests. The awards were announced during a press conference at the Wiawaka Center for Women in Lake George, Warren County with the Land Trust Alliance and partners. Protecting forests from potential development and establishing new forested areas helps preserve biodiversity and safeguard the ecosystem benefits forests provide, such as storm water mitigation, temperature regulation, carbon sequestration and climate resiliency.
Current grantees can always access their account through our online Application and Reporting Portal.
Having trouble logging in or need to update organizational information? Please contact the Alliance’s New York Program Office, 518-587-0774.