The Establishing Large Forests (ELF) Grant Program, administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), supports reforestation efforts on private lands to combat climate change, protect natural resources, and benefit local economies. This program provides financial assistance to eligible entities for planting new forests on properties of five or more acres that are not currently forested. Approximately 97% of reforestation opportunities in New York are on privately owned lands, making this program critical to achieving the state’s climate goals.

Eligible applicants include non-industrial private landowners, land trusts, and organizations or companies acting on behalf of private landowners, such as forestry businesses, natural resource firms, and not-for-profit corporations (501(c)(3)). These entities must take full responsibility for the project, including compliance with program requirements, financial management, and reporting. Publicly owned lands are not eligible, and funding cannot be used for orchards, landscaping, nurseries, or Christmas tree farms.

Projects must involve planting trees to create new forests, which can include site preparation, controlling invasive species, installing deer exclosures, and ensuring successful planting through temporary watering systems. A forester or natural resource professional must assist in developing the project plan, and tree species must align with the DEC’s approved species list unless substitutions are approved. The project area does not need to be contiguous but must be within the same property or under the same ownership.

Grants range from $30,000 to $750,000, with no match requirement. This is a reimbursement-based program, requiring landowners or fiscal sponsors to cover costs upfront and submit for reimbursement within 30 days. Costs incurred before the grant is awarded are ineligible. Multiple projects on non-contiguous properties may be submitted in a single bid, with each property eligible for a maximum award of $750,000.

Applications must be submitted via the Statewide Financial System (SFS) by 3:00 PM on January 7, 2025. Applicants must register with SFS, and not-for-profits must also prequalify before the deadline. Paper applications will not be accepted. A webinar covering eligibility and application procedures was held on November 14, 2024, and a recording is available online. Additional resources, including instructional videos and bid checklists, are also provided on the SFS website.

Award announcements are anticipated in summer 2025. For more information or assistance with the application process, applicants can contact Ian Crisman, Program Coordinator, at largeforests@dec.ny.gov or (518) 402-8496.