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News and Announcements

black-throated blue warbler looks toward camera from branch of tree

Land trusts in the United States are invited to apply for financial support to improve bird habitat on private and protected lands. Eligible projects include capacity and partnership building, and management…

View into tops of trees in an upland forest in spring. By L. Heady

Cornell will host an online training on Tuesdays from March 17 to April 28, 6:30-7:30pm, for future Master Forest Owner (MFO) volunteers in New York State. MFO volunteers serve in their local community by…

stream with trees and shrubs growing on either side and a small beaver dam in the center

Climate Smart Communities Grant awards will fund 43 projects to help municipalities take action to address climate change.

A forester in an orange vest inspects a large tree.

A comprehensive overhaul of Real Property Tax Law Section 480a regulations will streamlines processes and reduces administrative barriers on participating forest landowners, while strengthening sustainable…

narrow stream flows through woods in early spring with morning light filtering through the trees - by L Heady

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $25 million is now available through the first round of a new program for land conservation partners to protect and preserve open space in New York…

View into tops of trees in an upland forest in spring. By L. Heady

DEC announced more than $1.72 million in grantsto six land trusts for nine projects that help conserve local forests, including Hudson Valley sites in Columbia, Dutchess, Rensselaer, and Ulster counties…

Autumn view of Catskills over North South Lake from rocky outcrop.

Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a landmark agreement to modernize the process to secure and protect critical open spaces statewide. The Memorandum of Agreement…

blue WQIP sign in front of green hedge

DEC announced more than 1,200 acres were permanently protected in Westchester, the Finger Lakes, and Western New York. The acquisitions were supported by DEC’s Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program,…

northern long-eared bat hanging upside down from a rocky overhang

In observance of Bat Week and to raise awareness about the critical role of bats in the environment, the DEC encourages outdoor enthusiasts to refrain from visiting caves and mines during the fall and winter…

Japanese knotweed plants in flower - by L Heady

$4 million is available to advance projects across the state that help prevent, detect, respond to, and restore sites impacted by invasive species. An information webinar on the Invasive Species Grant…

Town Hall meeting with board members and audience looking at man reading a resolution.

The Stanford Town board adopted a new, comprehensive assessment of the town’s natural resources at its Sept. 11 meeting. The NRI replaces the town’s previous NRI, created in 1982. It will be used as a reference…

View of meadow under cloudy sky - Photo by L Heady

Orange County has developed a program to fund open space protection, with matching funds available to municipalities, nonprofits, and property owners. Applications are considered in two cycles, spring and fall…