NYS DEC announces over $1.25 million in grants to Land Trusts to protect forests through Conservation Easements

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar has announced more than $1.26 million in grants for four land trusts to support five projects that help safeguard local forests.

Locally, nearly $140,000 has been anchored to purchase a 190-acre conservation easement on land adjacent to the Hinckley State Forest and near West Canada Creek, an area which was identified by the land trust as a priority conservation area.

This project is via the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust. The conservation easement will promote sustainable forestry, help mitigate the impacts of climate change, preserve the area’s biodiversity, and protect important habitat for several threatened and endangered species.

“New York’s natural landscapes are vital to our quality of life and our economy,” said Interim Commissioner Mahar. “This $1.26 million in funding for land trusts will empower communities to protect cherished open spaces and contribute to the State’s 30 by 30 initiative—conserving 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030.”

The grants are funded through the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Among the many environmental victories in the enacted 2024-25 State Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders maintained 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.

NYS DEC image.