Regenerate NY is a cost sharing grant program that assists private landowners in growing the next generation of forests crucial for mitigating climate change, providing wildlife habitat, protecting air and water quality, and supplying important renewable resources.
There are four possible land practices covered under this program:
- Afforestation/Reforestation
- Forest Stand Restoration
- Competing Vegetation Control
- Deer Exclosure Fencing
The second round of grants are now available, on a first-come, first-served basis to private landowners with 10 to 1,000 acres! To apply for a grant, go to Grants Gateway and search for Regenerate NY 2022. Contact RegenNY@dec.ny.gov for questions.
Fenced area with multiple trees behind it
The first round of Regenerate NY grants was released in April 2021. The program has been very successful, with several projects or phases already completed:
- Deer exclosure in Washington County: An abandoned hay field cleared in 2016 was planted with two-year-old Norway spruce and Japanese larch seedlings. Regenerate NY awarded funding for a deer fence to protect these seedlings until they are above the height that deer can browse.
- Land clearing and site preparation in Chenango County prior to deer exclosure project: High risk and hazard trees were removed to prevent damage to a future deer exclosure fence. The goal of the fence will be to allow for new, desirable regeneration to grow above deer browse height in areas of forest stands that are near maturity and potentially ready for partial overstory removal in 10-15 years.
- Afforestation and Competing Vegetation Control in Steuben County (partial completion): The landowner looks to establish 12.5 acres of black walnut. To establish this new forest, existing unacceptable walnut stems are in the process of being coppiced, supplemental walnut seedlings are being planted, and invasive species are being controlled. It is anticipated the project will result in 3,100 thriving black walnut trees on the 12.5 acres.
Categories: New York, General