More than $1.72 million in grants have been awarded to six land trusts for nine projects aimed at conserving forests across New York State, according to an announcement from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The funding comes through the Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts (FCELT) Grant Program and is expected to support conservation easements that will protect air and water quality, preserve wildlife habitats, encourage sustainable forest management, and increase outdoor recreation opportunities.
“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, DEC continues to protect forests and bolster climate resiliency, quality of life for all communities, and the economy,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “With approximately 73 percent of New York State’s forests being privately owned, this $1.72 million in FCELT Grant Program funding will help landowners keep their forests as forests and maintain working forest landscapes. Through partnerships with land trusts and dedicated landowners, we’re adding protections that keep trees standing, wildlife thriving, watersheds intact, and communities resilient.”
The FCELT grants are administered by the Land Trust Alliance in partnership with DEC. They contribute toward New York’s target of conserving 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030. The program also aligns with goals set out in state plans such as the Open Space Plan, Wildlife Action Plan, and Forest Action Plan. Environmental justice and climate resilience were key factors in selecting projects.
Jamie Brown, Senior Program Manager for the Land Trust Alliance in New York stated: “Protecting forests offers so many benefits to all New Yorkers. The FCELT Grant Program is a vital tool that assists land trusts to do this important work. We are grateful to the State’s support and leadership in protecting our natural resources and important places.”
Among the funded projects:
– Genesee Valley Conservancy received $227,220 for a conservation easement on 135 acres in Livingston County within Hemlock Lake’s watershed.
– Another Genesee Valley Conservancy project was awarded $350,000 for an 841-acre property in Steuben County connecting other protected lands.
– Hudson Taconic Lands obtained $265,000 for a 288-acre escarpment property in Rensselaer County adjacent to other conserved areas.
– Otsego Land Trust was granted $54,250 for a 41-acre property next to Betty and Wilbur Davis State Park.
– Roundout-Esopus Land Conservancy secured $160,850 for a 19-acre site near Minnewaska State Park.
– Scenic Hudson received two awards: $250,000 for a 272-acre property in Columbia County near Bates Memorial State Park; $125,000 for a 137-acre site designated as an urban greenway in Dutchess County.
– Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust was allocated over $292,000 combined for two properties totaling more than 300 acres in Herkimer County.
Funding comes from New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), which was increased to $425 million under the enacted 2025–26 state budget. The EPF supports efforts including climate change mitigation and adaptation measures; improvement of agricultural resources; protection of water sources; advancement of conservation initiatives like those announced; as well as providing recreational opportunities.
A recent Memorandum of Agreement between Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration and Attorney General Letitia James aims to modernize how open spaces are protected statewide by streamlining legal procedures related to acquisitions.
The Land Trust Alliance represents around 950 member organizations nationally with millions of supporters working on conservation efforts across America.
