DEC Announces Funding for Urban, Community Forest Projects in NYS

State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos has announced applications are now being accepted for a total of $12.9 million for urban and community forest projects through the Inflation Reduction Act funding opportunity.

The money was made available by the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forest Program. Its intent is to increase equitable access to healthy trees and green spaces in urban and community forests to support building a clean energy economy, advance environmental justice, and create economic opportunity. 

The maximum funding request is $500,000 per application and no match is required. All projects must take place in disadvantaged communities, and the deadline to submit applications is January 31st, 2024.