Thursday, April 25, 2019

$2.2 Million in Conservation Partnership Program Grants Provided

More than $2.2 million in Conservation Partnership Program grants have been provided for 47 not-for-profit land trusts across the state. A total of 70 grants funded through New York's Environmental Protection Fund will leverage an additional $2.2 million in private and local funding to support projects that protect water quality and farmland, boost public access for outdoor recreation and conserve important open space areas that will benefit community health, tourism and economic development.

"Land trusts make a real difference in local communities, maximizing public and private dollars to protect and preserve New York's natural resources," Governor Cuomo said. "Through the Environmental Protection fund, New York is bolstering our extensive network of land trusts that provide support for environmental and open space programs, generating revenue, creating jobs and ensuring a cleaner and healthier New York."

As part of New York State's week-long celebration of Earth Day, the grants were announced with the Land Trust Alliance at a statewide land trust gathering at Red Jacket Riverfront Park in Buffalo celebrating New York's commitment to protecting the environment. The Land Trust Alliance administers the Conservation Partnership Program in coordination with the State Department of Environmental Conservation.

In addition, the $2.2 million in Conservation Partnership Program grants and $2.2 million in private and local funding will help build the resiliency of lands to the changing climate and contribute to climate solutions by storing carbon. Recent research underscores the role that natural climate solutions will have in addressing risks associated with climate change.

Grant awards range from $3,550 to $100,000, with 17 awards directing $533,970 to the Capital District; four awards directing $111,550 to Central New York and the Mohawk Valley; four awards directing $142,500 to Long Island; 21 awards directing $521,380 to the Mid-Hudson Valley; three awards directing $90,000 to New York City; 11 awards directing $456,100 to the North Country; and 10 awards directing $394,500 to Western New York, the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier. For a detailed breakdown of these grants and an overview of how the funds will be spent is below and also available on the DEC website.

Click here for the full announcement.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

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