ALBANY (WCBS 880) — New York is committing $1 million to help preserve forested areas throughout the state, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The governor’s office on Monday announced that $1 million in grant funds is being made available to municipalities to help establish community forests.
The grant program, through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's new Community Forest Conservation Grant Program, “will support community efforts to conserve local forests and create new opportunities for public access, help protect natural areas from development, and encourage sustainable management of forested lands.”
Municipalities may apply for funding to purchase properties directly, or through conservation easements, to establish the community forests.
The effort could create more public woodland across Long Island – where the Sunken Forest, Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest and more are already located – and the Mid-Hudson Valley region.
“Forests are crucial to the future of our planet and one of our greatest natural treasures that we must preserve and protect,” Hochul said.
“Not only will this program create new opportunities for recreation, but it will conserve forested land and foster tree growth across the state, advancing New York's efforts to reduce climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions.”
Grants ranging from $50,000 up to $300,000 are available to help reimburse local governments.
Municipalities – including towns, cities or Native American nations in New York – must provide a 10% cash match of the grant amount requested.
Properties being purchased with the grant funding must be 10 or more contiguous acres in size, have forests on at least 75% of the acreage, be accessible to the public and provide public benefits –such as recreation opportunities, flood mitigation, wildlife habitat, clean water and forest products.
"Healthy forests provide New York's communities and environment with a wide range of benefits, including wildlife habitat, flood mitigation, recreational opportunities, wood products, mental health, air quality, water quality, carbon storage, and carbon sequestration,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos.
“Today's announcement will bolster local efforts to conserve community forests across the state, providing residents with opportunities to connect with forests and foster a sense of stewardship, while also introducing new opportunities for municipalities to engage community residents in sustainable forest management,” he added.
According to the DEC, New York is 61% forested with over 18.6 million acres of woodland.
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