DEC Seeks Public Comment on Eligibility Guidelines for Restoring and Expanding Forests

 

Proposed Framework for Future Funding Opportunities Supports Tree Planting and Forest Establishment Projects

Projects Will Help Support New York’s 25 Million Trees Initiative

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton released for public review and comment draft eligibility guidelines to use Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (Bond Act) funding in support of tree planting and forest establishment projects. DEC will use feedback to modify forthcoming funding opportunities to support reforestation and afforestation projects through direct practices and grant programs, including Community Reforestation (CoRe) and Regenerate NY to restore and expand forests in New York State.

“Tree planting and forest establishment projects provide valuable ecosystem and health benefits for local communities,” Acting Commissioner Lefton said.  “These projects protect and improve air and water quality, capture and treat stormwater, help mitigate extreme heat, enhance biodiversity, and provide habitat for flora and fauna. DEC encourages New Yorkers to provide feedback on the proposed guidelines to help projects that advance Governor Hochul’s goals of strengthening and expanding New York’s forests across the state.”

Multiple categories within the transformative Bond Act are available to support forestry and its benefits to air and water quality and climate and flood mitigation, among many other enhancements to health, the environment, local economies, and quality of life. Under the proposed guidelines, Bond Act-funded forest establishment would focus on sustainable projects, excluding planting of trees for future timber harvests. Best Management Practices and actions associated with funded reforestation and afforestation projects include site preparation activities including invasive species removal and soil scarification, tree seed planting and other revegetation projects that assist forest regeneration, projects that collect native local plant seed material for future success, and forest protection systems such as tree tubes and other erosion control and deer browse control mechanisms.

The full guidelines can be viewed in the May 21, 2025, Environmental Notice Bulletin. DEC is accepting public comments through Friday, June 20, 2025, at 5 p.m. Comments should be sent to Annabel Gregg, 625 Broadway, 5th Floor, Albany, NY 12233-3505, by phone at (518) 402-9409, or via email, dlfgrants@dec.ny.gov.

25 Million Trees Initiative

The funding will help support Governor Kathy Hochul’s ‘25 Million Trees by 2033’ initiative in the 2024 State of the State address. A total of $32 million in Bond Act funding is helping modernize the State’s tree nursery and harness technology to track forestation efforts in New York and $15 million in the Executive Budget to support resilient reforestation projects. The Initiative is invigorating statewide tree planting efforts, sending an unmistakable market signal to private nurseries, and growing the state’s vital forest products industry. The Initiative advances the climate equity and reforestation goals outlined in New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and contributes to New York’s broader efforts to reduce the pollution contributing to climate change.

Earlier this year, Governor Hochul announced the launch of a new webpage and interactive tracking tool to help document progress toward New York State’s goal to plant 25 million trees. Hosted by DEC and developed in cooperation with the Office of Information Technology Services, the webpage and Tree Tracker allow State agencies, organizations, private entities, and individuals to report the location and number of trees planted into the tracking tool, measuring progress in the statewide effort. New Yorkers are encouraged to plant trees and record them in the 25 Million Trees Tree Tracker.

Disadvantaged Communities

The Bond Act advances equity and environmental justice by directing at least 35 percent with a goal of 40 percent of total funding towards disadvantaged communities that are often the most impacted by pollution and climate change. Consistent with this Bond Act requirement, DEC will aim to prioritize 40 percent of grant awards to benefit disadvantaged communities.

On Nov. 8, 2022, New York voters overwhelmingly approved the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act. State agencies, local governments, and partners will be able to access funding to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resiliency, and create green jobs. Bond Act funding will support new and expanded projects across the state to safeguard drinking water sources, reduce pollution, and protect communities and natural resources from climate change. Sign up for progress updates and find Bond Act-related information at environmentalbondact.ny.gov.