Regenerate New York Forestry Cost Share Grant Program

About this program

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) funds the Regenerate New York Forestry Cost Share Grant Program to support establishment and restoration of forests across New York through afforestation/reforestation, regeneration silviculture, forest health resiliency thinning, competing vegetation control, and deer exclosures; awards range from $10,000 to $1,000,000 and use performance‑based payments (75% upfront annually, 15% after annual report approval, 10% retained until completion). Eligible applicants include non‑industrial private landowners (individuals, partnerships, for‑profits owning <2,500 acres), land trusts and nonprofits (no acreage limit), state/federally recognized tribes, and organizations acting on behalf of eligible landowners; projects must be completed within three years, include at least one regeneration‑focused practice, and use native or non‑invasive species, with applicants required to work with a forester or natural resource professional. A 10% applicant match (cash or eligible non‑state/federal in‑kind) is required; up to two applications per applicant are allowed for separate properties, priority funding for first‑time owners, veterans, and tribes and for large or pest‑response projects is reserved through 2026‑03‑10, and applications must be submitted via the Statewide Financial System (not‑for‑profits must prequalify) on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or by 2026‑08‑31 at 3:00 p.m. ET.