(WNY News Now) The grants are intended to increase urban tree coverage throughout the state, strengthen climate resilience, and boost public health.
Today, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that $15 million is now available for the creation, restoration, and expansion of urban forested natural areas under the new Community Reforestation (CoRe) Grant Program. The funds support Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State 25 Million Trees Initiative, which aims to acknowledge the value of trees and forests for community health and climate resilience. A $15 million provision for competitive grants promoting resilient reforestation was part of the State of the State promise.
By lowering temperatures, minimizing exposure to air pollution, enhancing public health, and strengthening community resilience, trees are essential instruments for reducing extreme heat sensitivity in urban settings, according to DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar.Our state’s objectives to plant 25 million trees by 2033 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 are one step closer with each tree planted. DEC is pleased to announce this first-of-its-kind grant opportunity as a driver for resilient urban reforestation statewide, and we commend Governor Hochul’s noteworthy and continuous efforts to forestry.
Over 85% of the state’s population resides in or close to an urban area. Restoring tree cover and planting new trees in urban communities’ natural areas will be funded by the competitive CoRe Grant Program. Compared to more rural locations, urban neighborhoods usually have a lesser tree canopy and more environmental challenges. For programs to establish new forests or restore forests affected by invasive species or other environmental issues, municipalities, Indian Tribes and Nations, and non-profit organizations can receive the majority of the award cash, $12 million. The grant amount has a minimum of $150,000 and a maximum of $3 million. For the expansion and restoration of forests on State property in suitable locations, an additional $3 million is available to State agencies, State authorities, and State educational bodies.
Tree planting, site preparation, removal of invasive or competing vegetation that hinders the establishment of tree seedlings, and/or deer browse protection for new plants are all examples of eligible CoRe projects. Projects that benefit underprivileged neighborhoods or communities with poor Tree Equity scores—which quantify the relationship between urban tree canopy and a population’s socioeconomic vulnerability—will receive extra attention. The money cannot be used to purchase real estate (land) or to plant and care for individual street or park trees.
On Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., DEC will hold a webinar to answer questions and offer information regarding this new financing opportunity for community reforestation. To learn more, go to DEC’s website.To attend the webinar, you must register.
The deadline for grant applications is March 12, 2025, at 2:00 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 for CoRe 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.
In addition to the CoRe Grant Program, the Establishing Large Forests (ELF) Grant Program has previously announced and is presently offering $4.5 million to private landowners for the establishment of new forests. Building on the success of New York State’s Regenerate NY Forestry Cost Share Grant Program, ELF aims to encourage 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.
A new objective of planting 25 million trees statewide by 2033 was supported by $47 million in Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State Address and Enacted Budget. The program will boost the State’s tree planting efforts, improve attempts to reach the net-zero target of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, give commercial nurseries a clear market signal, and expand the state’s essential forest products sector. The initiative’s main elements include capital expenditures made through the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and other State sources, as well as multi-year yearly payments given by DEC to municipalities for tree planting in support of resilient reforestation and urban forests.
