The Hudson Valley will be recipients of major space conservation grant funding that will directly contribute to New York's open space conservation, climate resiliency, and environmental justice goals.

green trees near body of water under blue sky during daytime

In total $25 million has been awarded by the DEC across NYS, with the Hudson Valley receiving around $8 million of that allocation.

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New State Program to Protect NY Open Space Projects

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced grant funding of more than $25 million to 'advance a new State program that provides critical resources to municipalities, land trusts, community-based organizations and other partners to protect significant open space projects.'

In the official press release on Wednesday, October 21st, NYS DEC shared the following:

The funding supports the countless benefits of permanently protecting open space that include protecting water and air quality; promoting habitat connectivity and diverse ecosystems; mitigating flooding and extreme heat impacts; expanding access to shorelines, green spaces, and recreational opportunities; protecting cultural resources; and increasing climate resiliency and adaptation.

green trees on mountain under blue sky during daytime

SEE ALSO: New York Receives Funds To Protect Land, Conservation & Climate

Hudson Valley To Receive Millions From DEC’s Open Space Conservation Grant Program

As a follow up to the passage of the 2022 Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, the funding outlined in this announcement comprises the first round of the DEC's Open Space Conservation Grant Program, with additional funding rounds anticipated in the future.

The program, which addresses New York's goal of conserving 30% of the state's land and water by 2030, aligns with the 'New York State Open Space Plan.' Across the state, these funds will address natural spaces across several regions, focusing on wetlands, grasslands, community gardens, public access and here in the Hudson Valley, the conservation of rare bats and birds.

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Here in the Hudson Valley, funds will be distributed to the following areas:

• Town of Wappinger: $2,716,627
• Town of Warwick: $3.5 million
• Open Space Institute Land Trust: $712,550
• Friends of Buttonhook Forest: $1,255,384

New York State DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton shared the following:

Governor Hochul recognizes the impact that conserving open space can have in protecting biodiversity, safeguarding water quality, maintaining working forests, and strengthening community resilience to climate change. This first round of new funding allows our local partners to permanently protect high-value natural areas, while also providing new recreation opportunities and expanding public access to open spaces, particularly in disadvantaged communities.