2025 Open Space Conservation Grant Program

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is pleased to announce the availability of $25,200,000 from the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (Bond Act) and the NYS Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). New York offers incredible recreational and outdoor opportunities, from the majestic Adirondack High Peaks to the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. However, some communities, particularly underserved ones, lack access to green spaces that provide significant community benefits. The goal of this grant program is to provide funding for land conservation partners across New York State to enhance access to open space for the use and enjoyment of the public, conserve natural resources, protect water quality, promote resilient communities, connect wildlife habitat, and mitigate climate change. Bids are invited for grant funding to acquire land for the purpose of open space conservation and preservation. The intent of this Request for Bids (RFB), for this round, is to administer funds for the purchase and costs associated with Fee Simple acquisition of open space projects by the bidder (applicant) which are not intended to be conveyed onto the People of the State of New York after closing; however, the Notice of Grant provides that acquired parcels may be conveyed at no cost to other qualified parties. This allows a bidder to protect open space intended to be conveyed to another conservation organization with the approval of the DEC. This round does not include grants for conservation easements.

Specifically, DEC invites bids for State financial assistance to enable eligible bidders to cover all or a portion of total project costs for the purchase of Open Space Land Conservation projects from willing sellers of viable lands that are consistent with the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan. Each project must result in acquisition of projects possessing at least one of the seven resources defined in ECL 58-0101 (10) (https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ENV/58-0101) through the purchase of the absolute fee title.