Environment DEC
From the July 2007 issue
DEC and LTA Announce Partnership Grants
Assemblyman Robert Sweeney reviews grant announcement
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Land Trust Alliance (LTA) recently announced $400,000 in competitive matching grants to 30 different non-profit trusts. The grants will allow local community-based organizations to do more in conserving important natural areas and open space in their communities. These grants will leverage a total of $3.29 million in privately raised conservation funds, enabling protection of nearly 3,000 additional acres of important land. The funding, which will be supported by an additional $50,000 in technical assistance, represents the fifth round of investments under the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP), a pioneering public-private partnership managed by the LTA in coordination with DEC.
"Land trusts are an invaluable partner to the state and local governments in the implementation of smart growth principles," said DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis. "The success of this partnership in protecting some of New York's most important open spaces has led to a doubling of the NYSCPP's funding to $1 million in a record 2007-08 EPF budget of $250 million. These funding resources are used to effectively leverage private conservation dollars to the benefit of the people of New York State."
Conservation Partnership Program
Since inception of the NYSCPP in 2002-2003, it has awarded 161 competitive grants, helping to protect approximately 8,800 acres of land, including priority lands identified in the New York State Open Space Plan. Partnership grants require a match of at least 1:1 in non-state funds. Grant recipients receive technical assistance from LTA staff, which manages the program and helps ensure the completion and success of funded projects.
Land Trust Alliance
Founded in 1982, the LTA works in support of more than 1,660 land trusts nationwide, including 90 New York land trusts representing more than 36,000 individual members. Working with state and local governments, local, regional and national land trusts have protected more than one million acres of land in New York State and more than 36 million acres nationwide.
