$5 Million Available for Private Forest Landowners to Expand, Improve, and Restore Forests
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced that more than $5 million is now available through the fifth round of the Regenerate NY Forestry Cost Share Grant Program. This grant program provides financial assistance to private landowners establishing new forests, improving the health of existing forests, and restoring forests that are heavily impacted by factors such as deer browse, invasive pests, or fragmentation. The funding for this round is made possible by the State Environmental Protection Fund’s (EPF) Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption Program, the Forest Landowners Support grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, and the Arbor Day Foundation. New trees planted as a result of funded projects will contribute to Governor Hochul’s 25 Million Trees Initiative.
“Regenerate NY reflects commitments by Governor Kathy Hochul and DEC to protecting and strengthening New York’s forests for future generations,” said Commissioner Lefton. “Private landowners own approximately 75% of our state’s forestland, so it is essential that we support and invest in their ability to manage their forests sustainably. This round of funding will empower landowners to expand and restore their forests, support green jobs and local economies, and ensure these lands continue to provide clean air and water, habitat for wildlife, and resilient landscapes.”
Private landowners may apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $1 million to conduct one or more of the following practices on their property:
- Planting trees to restore or create new forests,
- Creating young forest habitat to initiate natural regeneration and improve wildlife habitat,
- Thinning to remove unhealthy or close-growing trees and to promote forest health or regrowth,
- Removing competing or invasive vegetation, and
- Installing tree protection to prevent deer browse of young tree seedlings.
Eligible applicants include any individual, trust, corporate entity or other for-profit organization that owns between 5 and 2,500 acres of undeveloped land that is forested or can become forested through tree planting or associated practices to encourage forest regeneration. Not-for-profit organizations and Indian Nations or Tribes with 5 or more acres of undeveloped land are also eligible and are not subject to the 2,500-acre maximum requirement. Projects must be at least 5 acres and must be guided by a private forester or natural resource professional. There is no limit to the number of applications/bids that a landowner or organization may submit; however, they cannot be for the same land area. Projects must be completed by December 15, 2029.
DEC Director of Lands and Forests and New York State Forester Fiona Watt said, “This grant opportunity offers a flexible toolkit for landowners to create new forest habitat on open land, and to nurture young and struggling forests to greater health and resilience. Regenerating New York’s private forests is a key pathway to supporting working lands, nature’s benefits, and addressing climate change.”
Portions of the grant funds will be reserved until March 11, 2026, for priority applicants, including new forest landowners, active military service members and veterans, and State or federally recognized Tribes and Indian Nations. Funds will also be reserved for priority projects, including planting trees on a large scale or restoring forests significantly impacted by invasive pests or diseases. Any funds not awarded by that date will then be available to all eligible applicants.
DEC will host a webinar on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, to provide information and answer questions about this funding opportunity. Register for the webinar here.
Applications will be accepted until Thursday, August 27, 2026, and must be submitted through the Statewide Financial System (SFS). Applicants must register for an SFS account before they can apply, and not-for-profits must also prequalify by the deadline or their application will not be evaluated. For more details about the grant opportunity, visit DEC’s website or email RegenNY@dec.ny.gov.
Regenerate NY supports New York State’s 25 Million Trees Initiative, launched by Governor Hochul in 2024 to drive reforestation efforts and forest stewardship across the state. Trees planted through funded projects will be entered into the Initiative’s Tree Tracker to count toward the State’s goal. For more information about the 25 Million Trees Initiative, visit DEC’s website.
Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State address reaffirmed New York State’s commitment to environmental leadership with a record proposal of $425 million in funding for the EPF. This historic investment reinforces the State’s role as a national leader in conservation and environmental protection, helping preserve New York’s environment for generations to come.
A $100,000 grant from the Arbor Day Foundation to the Natural Heritage Trust, the charitable partner for New York’s public lands and waters, for plant material associated with these projects will fund up to 20,000 tree seedlings. For more information about the Trust and donations, visit https://www.
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