By Blake Jackson
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced plans for a new grant program that will provide more than $46 million to support tree production, forest management, and forest product industries across the state.
The Advancing Forest Markets (AFM) Grant Program is in its final stages of development and aims to bolster Governor Kathy Hochul’s 25 Million Trees initiative while promoting open space conservation.
Funding will be available to entities that enroll with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency and obtain a Farm ID.
“To plant 25 million trees and expand and maintain healthy, resilient forests in New York State, new collaborations are needed to support the reforestation supply chain and sustainable forest management,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said.
“This novel grant program will ensure that the trees available to New Yorkers are affordable, accessible, and high quality and also help incentivize tree growers and forest producers to meaningfully expand operational and production capacity.”
Eligible applicants include state agencies, municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, Indian Nations or Tribes, individual private landowners, and other entities that qualify to enroll with USDA.
Participants must engage in one or more Forest Market Areas, such as collecting, processing, storing, and selling tree seeds; producing and selling seedlings; harvesting, processing, and selling wood products; producing other forestry products like maple syrup or nuts; or conducting forest management planning.
When the program opens, applicants can request funds to increase the supply of native New York trees and seeds, make seedlings more affordable for retail customers, or expand forest-based operations.
Potential qualifying activities include hiring staff, expanding operational capacity, marketing new products, enhancing sector collaboration, offering workforce development and educational programs, or producing guidance and training materials.
Due to the grant’s limited timeframe, funds cannot be used for direct implementation of projects that break ground or disturb vegetation. All work must be completed by January 2028, and detailed guidelines will be released in late spring.
The program supports the state’s goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033, highlighting the importance of forests for community health.
DEC encourages all New Yorkers to record planted trees in the public Tree Tracker and visit DEC’s 25 million Trees webpages for resources, community planting events, and guidance to support the initiative.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
Categories: New York, General, Government & Policy