(WNY News Now) In an effort to counteract climate change and protect natural resources, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is providing $4.5 million in grants to assist private landowners in creating new forests.
DECsaid that private landowners can now create new forests with $4.5 million through the Establishing Large Forests (ELF) Grant Program. ELF builds on New York State’s well-liked Regenerate NY Forestry Cost Share Grant Program and is intended to sustain the establishment of new forests that are essential for wildlife habitat, climate change mitigation, air and water quality protection, and the production of lumber, a valuable renewable resource.
In order to cover the costs of creating new forests, private landowners (or their representatives) in New York State who possess five or more acres of unforested land may apply for a minimum grant of $30,000 and a maximum award of $750,000. Preparing sites, planting trees and related forest species, clearing invasive or competitive vegetation that hinders the establishment and growth of seedlings, and using fencing to shield new plantings from deer browse are all examples of eligible projects. Applications with projects that span wide areas will receive extra consideration.
In addition to agreeing to manage the new forest for a minimum of 15 years, applicants must collaborate with a forester or other competent natural resource professional to develop their initiatives. The Division of Lands and Forests of DEC is in charge of overseeing ELF.
The deadline for applications is Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 3 p.m. It is necessary to submit applications using the SFS Grants Management System (SFS). Those who want to apply must first create an SFS account. After registering, look up Establishing Large Forests, or ELF, in SFS. Visit DEC’s website or send an email to [email protected] for additional information on the grant opportunity, including application and scoring requirements.