Apply for Technical Assistance to Create a Conservation Overlay

Cornell University, in partnership with the Hudson River Estuary Program of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, is offering a free technical assistance opportunity for a community interested in using conservation overlay zoning to conserve priority lands and waters to protect biodiversity or wildlife habitat connectivity. One municipality in the Hudson River estuary watershed will be chosen for this assistance opportunity through a competitive application process.

Conservation overlay zoning is a regulatory tool that creates a special zoning district where an additional set of regulations or incentives is added on top of the rules of the primary zoning districts (e.g., residential, commercial). Overlays may be applied to proactively conserve stream corridors, wildlife habitats, drinking water watersheds, scenic ridgelines, and a variety of other environmentally sensitive areas. Creating Conservation Overlay Zoning: A Guide for Communities in the Hudson River Estuary Watershed (PDF)describes this approach in detail drawing on real-world examples.

The selected municipality will receive legal and planning assistance to develop a conservation overlay zone, including facilitated discussions to refine the objectives, mapping support to delineate the proposed zone boundaries, drafting the overlay zone code and map, and assistance with public outreach.

Applications are due on Mar. 3, 2025.

Access application here: Request for Applications: Municipal Training and Assistance Opportunities