New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that $1.35 million is now available through the fifth round of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts (FCELT) Grant Program. Eligible, accredited land trusts may apply for up to $350,000 to purchase conservation easements on privately owned forested land in New York State. DEC created the grant program to help conserve forest land to protect vital ecosystem services, including erosion and flood control, wildlife habitat, water and air filtration, and climate change mitigation.
“New York’s forests are one of our greatest natural assets—providing a variety of ecological and economic benefits, as well as places for families to connect with the outdoors,” said Commissioner Lefton. “The grant funding provided through this successful partnership with the Land Trust Alliance and New York’s land trusts underscores New York’s commitment to biodiversity, wildlife habitat protection, and strong community partnerships across the state helping our forests remain as forests.”
The grants are administered by the Land Trust Alliance in coordination with DEC. To apply, a land trust must be accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. A 25% match is required. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on August 13, 2026. Projects selected for FCELT grants should further goals and/or strategies identified in the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan, the New York State Wildlife Action Plan, the New York State Forest Action Plan, and/or other local, regional, or statewide land protection plans. Complete details about this grant opportunity can be found on the FCELT webpage.
Manager of the Land Trust Alliance's New York Program Jamie Brown said, “The FCELT program is a vital tool in the State’s efforts to protect New York’s forests. These lands benefit everyone by providing clean air and water, jobs, habitat, and recreational opportunities. The Alliance is proud to partner with DEC, New York’s land trusts, and forest landowners to use funds from the FCELT program to ensure that these important lands remain as forests for generations to come.”
Funding for the grant program is provided by the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). For the 2026–27 fiscal year, Governor Hochul's Executive Budget once again sustains the EPF at the historic funding level of $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.
About the Land Trust Alliance
Founded in 1982, the Land Trust Alliance is a national land conservation organization that works to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Alliance represents more than 950-member land trusts and their 6.4 million supporters nationwide. The Alliance is based in Washington, D.C. and operates several regional offices. Visit the Land Trust Alliance website for more information.
