Program Overview
This grant program funds municipal land acquisition for community forests. Community forests are publicly owned or publicly accessible open space properties that are vital for wildlife habitat, flood mitigation, recreational opportunities, public health, air quality, water quality, and to meet the obligations outlined in New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Community forests build local ownership of forests and local participation in forest management. Properties acquired through this grant program allow public access, which encourages residents to enjoy the forests in their community and increase their connection to forest benefits.
Community Forests also contribute to New York State’s plan to conserve 30% of the state’s lands and waters by 2030 (30x30). These natural areas form a patchwork of protected land that exponentially strengthens watersheds, biodiversity, climate resiliency, and more across the state.
Award History
Round 2 of this grant program was introduced in 2023. In Round 2, DEC awarded $1,035,630 to establish community forests totaling over 120 acres in four New York municipalities: Bethlehem, Brookhaven, Germantown, and Poughkeepsie. Since its inception in 2022, the Community Forest Conservation grant has awarded nearly $2 million to seven municipalities across the state to protect more than 320 acres of community forests.
Webinar for Interested Applicants
View a recording of the webinar about project eligibility and the application process.
Request for Applications (RFA)
For the complete eligibility requirements, project descriptions, timeframe and scoring information please read the Request For Bids (PDF). Following the instructions in this document is essential in submitting a successful application.
Eligible Applicants
New York municipalities are eligible to apply for these grants.
Project Location
Eligible locations for acquisition include private properties of 10 or more acres within New York State. At least 75% of the property must be forested.
Awards
There is $1 million in grant funding available from the Environmental Protection Fund for this grant round. Applicants may request a minimum grant amount of $50,000 and up to a maximum of $300,000.
Match Requirements
A 10% match is required in the form of a cash match towards project expenditures, land donations, and bargain sale or use of match for community forest improvement such as installing trails or signage. At least 10% match must be submitted for each voucher until the total project match is met. See additional details in Section 8: Eligible and Ineligible Costs, of the RFB.
Eligible Costs
Costs eligible for payment and match may include purchase price, appraisal, survey, and boundary line marking, title search, owner's title insurance, tax service, seller's prepaid taxes, recording fees, and attorney fees. See additional details in Section 7: Eligible and Ineligible Costs, of the RFB.
How to Apply
Round 3 of this grant program is now closed.
All applications must be filed through NYS SFS Grants Management System. Register at SFS Grants Management to apply.
The NYS SFS Grants Management system offers a Vendor User Manual, training videos and webinars for bidders requiring assistance.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the application deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.
If you do not have a login and if you are new to the SFS Vendor portal and would like to establish an account for the purposes of doing business with the State of New York, contact the SFS Help Desk at 518-457-7717, 855-233-8363 or [email protected] for more information.
Required Application Submittals
Applications must include at least the following:
- Map of the property
- Copy of the current deed
- Current school and town and county tax bills
- Estimate of market value
- Municipal resolution
- Letter of agreement from landowner
- Sexual harassment form
- Executive Order 16
Deadlines
Round 3 of this grant program closed on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
