The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has opened a fifth round of the Regenerate NY Forestry Cost Share Grant Program, making more than $5 million available to private landowners seeking to expand, improve or restore forestland across the state.
The funding supports reforestation and forest stewardship projects aligned with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 25 Million Trees by 2033 initiative and broader state climate goals. Grants will help landowners establish new forests, strengthen the health of existing stands and rehabilitate areas damaged by deer browse, invasive pests, disease or fragmentation.
Awards will range from $10,000 to $1 million. Eligible projects include large-scale tree planting, creation of young forest habitat to encourage natural regeneration and wildlife diversity, selective thinning to promote forest health, removal of invasive or competing vegetation, and installation of tree protection to reduce deer damage to seedlings.
Private landowners owning between five and 2,500 acres of undeveloped land are eligible, as are not-for-profit organizations and State or federally recognized Tribes and Indian Nations with at least five acres, without an acreage cap. Projects must cover a minimum of five acres and be guided by a private forester or natural resource professional. Multiple applications are permitted, provided they do not cover the same land area. All funded work must be completed by Dec. 15, 2029.
The program is supported by the State Environmental Protection Fund’s Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Program, a Forest Landowners Support grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, and the Arbor Day Foundation. A $100,000 grant from the foundation to the Natural Heritage Trust will fund up to 20,000 tree seedlings for participating projects.
Portions of the funding will be reserved until March 11, 2026, for priority applicants, including new forest landowners, active-duty military members and veterans, and Tribes and Indian Nations, as well as for priority projects such as large-scale planting or restoration following invasive infestations. Unawarded funds after that date will be opened to all eligible applicants.
Applications will be accepted through Aug. 27, 2026, and must be submitted via the Statewide Financial System. Applicants must register in advance, and not-for-profit organizations must complete prequalification by the deadline. The department will host an informational webinar on Feb. 3.
Trees planted through funded projects will be counted toward the state’s 25 Million Trees goal through the initiative’s Tree Tracker. The grant round coincides with the governor’s proposed $425 million investment in the Environmental Protection Fund for 2026, underscoring the state’s continued emphasis on conservation and climate resilience.
