DEC Announces $1.35 Million Now Available Through the Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts Grant Program

 

Funding will Protect Forestland from Future Development and Contribute to 30x30 Conservation Goal

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced $1.35 million is now available through the fourth round of the Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts (FCELT) Grant Program to help conserve the benefits of forests, including erosion and flood control, wildlife habitat, water and air filtration, and climate change mitigation. Eligible accredited land trusts may apply for up to $350,000 to purchase conservation easements on privately owned forested land in New York State for the purpose of protecting these lands from future development. 

“The land trust community plays a vital role in protecting New York’s invaluable natural resources,” DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “We are proud to continue this this successful public-private partnership with the Land Trust Alliance and New York’s land trusts. Together we will continue to protect New York’s privately owned forests, safeguard clean water and air resources, and bolster the benefits of these investments, including forest products, carbon storage, and open space.”  

The grants are administered by the Land Trust Alliance (LTA) in coordination with DEC. A 25 percent match is required. To apply, a land trust must be accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission and submit an overview of their proposed project by May 9, 2025, as part of the pre-application process. DEC and LTA will notify selected applicants by June 13; full applications for selected projects are due by July 28, 2025. 

“The Alliance is very excited to be partnering with DEC to launch a new round of FCELT grants,” Land Trust Alliance's New York Program Manager Jamie Brown said. “We have seen interest in the program grow, and many new opportunities to protect forested land that play a critical role in providing benefits to all New Yorkers.  We look forward to working with DEC and our land trusts to protect even more land this year.”  

Projects selected for FCELT grants should further goals and/or strategies identified in the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan, New York State Wildlife Action Plan, New York State Forest Action Plan, and/or other local, regional, or statewide land protection plans. Complete details about this grant opportunity can be found on the FCELT webpage.

Funding for the grant program is provided by the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Among the many environmental victories in the Governor’s 2025-26 Executive Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed to maintain the historically high level of $400 million in EPF funding. The EPF supports climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improves agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protects water sources, advances conservation efforts, and provides recreational opportunities for New Yorkers. The EPF also supports New York’s 30x30 Initiative, which commits to conserving 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030.

This round of grant programming also complements Governor Hochul’s 25 Million Trees Initiative by invigorating our state’s tree planting efforts, advancing efforts to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s emission reduction targets, and growing opportunities for a vital forest products industry in New York State. New Yorkers are encouraged to record tree plantings on DEC’s Tree Tracker online reporting tool to contribute to statewide sustainability and reforestation goals.

Making Open Space Available for All

In the 2025 State of the State, Governor Hochul prioritized creating and protecting parks and green spaces to ensure more people can enjoy time outdoors. To expand these efforts, the Governor will provide funding for land conservation to protect open spaces and farmland. Recognizing the need for streamlined processes, the Governor will also champion several key initiatives including modernizing the use of title insurance to expedite land acquisitions, granting DEC the authority to independently acquire conservation easements, and reducing the financial hurdles faced by not-for-profit organizations in their land conservation efforts. These changes and investments will empower the state to more effectively protect our natural heritage for future generations.

About the Land Trust Alliance

Founded in 1982, the Land Trust Alliance is a national land conservation organization that works to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Alliance represents more than 950-member land trusts and their 6.4 million supporters nationwide. The Alliance is based in Washington, D.C. and operates several regional offices. Visit the Land Trust Alliance website for more information.