DEC awards $3M to land trusts for conservation efforts

ALBANY | The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced more than $3 million was awarded to 45 not-for-profit land trusts across the state. The funding, made available through the Conservation Partnership Program, will support 61 projects designed to support land trusts and their ongoing work, which complements the State's efforts to protect water quality, prevent farmland conversion, boost public access for outdoor recreation, and conserve open space. "The Conservation Partnership Program demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing New York's environmental goals," said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. "Land trusts are essential partners in protecting critical habitats, expanding public access to nature, and making communities across the state more climate resilient. The Conservation Partnership Program grants announced today build upon the successful partnership between DEC, the Land Trust Alliance, and New York's land trusts, and reflect our dedication to working hand-in-hand with local organizations to achieve our shared conservation goals and protect public land. Congratulations to the awardees—your dedication is helping to build a greener, healthier, and more sustainable New York." The grants are supported by the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and will leverage an additional $2.6 million in private and local funding. The Land Trust Alliance administers the Conservation Partnership Program in coordination with DEC. Since its creation in 2002, the Conservation Partnership Program has awarded 1,268 grants totaling more than $34 million to 99 land trusts, with the funding leveraging at least $36 million in additional private and local funding. The grant awards announced Thursday range from $2,000 to $100,000. Below is a list of funded projects; more details are available on DEC's website. This year's grantees include 35 accredited land trusts that secured independent verification that their work and operations meet high standards for land conservation, stewardship, and nonprofit management. Locally, the Adirondack Land Trust received $80,000 for professional development; Champlain Area Trails (CATS) received $100,000 for professional development; The Nature Conservancy received a Stewardship and Resource Management Grant for $55,000; and the Lake George Land Conservancy received a Stewardship and Resource Management Grant of $100,000 as well as a $31,660 Transaction Grant. The grants are the latest State action to help promote open space preservation and conservation. The 2025-26 enacted State Budget increases the EPF to a record $425 million. The EPF provides funding for critical environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, enhanced recreational access, water quality improvement, and an aggressive environmental justice agenda. In December 2022, Governor Hochul signed legislation setting the goal to support and contribute to national efforts to conserve at least 30 percent of U.S. land and water by 2030. This law promotes biodiversity and conserves New York's wildlife, forests, and clean water sources, which are all essential to New York's health and economy.

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DEC awards $3M to land trusts for conservation efforts

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