NEW YORK (WENY) – The Department of Environmental Conservation has announced almost four million dollars in conservation partnership grants.
The is the largest amount of funding for this project to date and 51 non-profit land trusts across New York State will be receiving grant funding.
The finger lakes region in particular will be receiving $337,000 in funding. The Finger Lakes Land Trust will receive $98,000 and the Genesee Land Trust will receive two grants totaling just over $100,000.
The announcement was made during New York State’s “Earth Week” celebration.
“The people of New York need and love open spaces for the many health, recreation, and economic benefits they provide,” said Meme Hanley, the Land Trust Alliance’s New York program manager. “These grants will leverage the strengths of the State’s land trust community to protect treasured local outdoor places and help provide important climate benefits. On behalf of the Land Trust Alliance, I applaud Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senator Todd Kaminsky, Assemblyman Steve Englebright, and Commissioner Seggos for their work to ensure New Yorkers enjoy clean water, healthy food, outdoor recreation, and economic opportunity.”
Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders increased the New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to $400 million, the highest-ever level of funding in the program’s history.
The EPF supports climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improves agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protects water sources, advances conservation efforts, and provides recreational opportunities for New Yorkers.
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