ELF - Establish Large Forests 2024
This funding opportunity provides financial support to private landowners in New York with at least five acres of unforested land to create new forests that help combat climate change and improve wildlife habitats.
Description
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced $4.5 million in funding through the Establishing Large Forests (ELF) Grant Program, aimed at creating new forests to combat climate change, enhance wildlife habitat, and support air and water quality. Funded by the USDA’s Partnership for Climate SMART Commodities, this program supports Governor Hochul’s “25 Million Trees by 2033” initiative and New York’s Climate Act goals. Grants of $30,000 to $750,000 are available to private landowners with at least five acres of unforested land in the state.
Eligible projects include land preparation, tree planting, removal of invasive species, and deer protection. Applicants must collaborate with a forester and maintain the forest for at least 15 years. A webinar providing more details will be held on November 14, and applications are due by January 7, 2025, through the SFS Grants Management System.
The ELF program is part of a larger $13 million allocation from the USDA grant, supporting climate-smart forestry initiatives in partnership with New York’s Department of Agriculture, SUNY’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Cornell University, and Syracuse University.