The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently announced that approximately $5 million in funding is now available in the fifth round of the State’s ‘Regenerate NY’ Forestry Cost Share Grant Program. The grant program is designed to assist private landowners in growing the next generation of forests, which are crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change, providing wildlife habitat, protecting air and water quality, and supporting green jobs and local economies. Funded projects will enhance efforts made through New York’s 25 Million Trees Initiative to restore and sustain the state’s natural landscapes.

For Round 5 of this grant opportunity, DEC’s goal is to support underserved landowners and priority projects. A portion of the grant funds will be reserved until March 10, 2026, for landowners and projects that meet the following criteria:

Landowners:

• active or veteran military landowners;
• first-time landowners (owned property less than 10 years); and
• State or federally recognized Indian Nations or Tribes.

Or projects dedicated to:

• Improving the health of significantly degraded forests due to an insect pest or disease outbreak; and
• Large-scale planting projects (greater than 5 acres).

Private landowners planning to restore or establish 5 or more acres of forest land in New York State may apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $1 million. A 10 percent match is required. A portion of the funding for projects in this round will be available upfront to assist with the high costs associated with these practices. Eligible projects include:

• planting trees to restore or create new forests;
• Creating young forest habitat to initiate natural regeneration and improve wildlife habitat;
• Thinning to remove unhealthy or close-growing trees to promote forest health or regrowth;
• removing competing or invasive vegetation that would interfere with seedling establishment and growth; and
• Installing tree protection to prevent deer browsing of young tree seedlings.

Applicants must work with a forester or a qualified natural resource professional to develop their project.

A portion of the grant funds will be reserved for priority landowners and projects until Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Any remaining funds will then be made available to all qualified applicants. Applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on August 31, 2026, in SFS Grants Management. Grant funds will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or the August 31 deadline.

Expanded funding for the fifth Round of Regenerate NY is supported by the USDA Forest Landowner Support Grant, the Environmental Protection Fund, and the Arbor Day Foundation.

For more details about the grant opportunity, including application criteria, visit DEC’s website. For more information, read the January 16 press release.

Learn more about Regenerate NY

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The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently announced that approximately $5 million in funding is now available in the fifth round of the State’s ‘Regenerate NY’ Forestry Cost Share Grant Program. The grant program is designed to assist private landowners in growing the next generation of forests, which are crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change, providing wildlife habitat, protecting air and water quality, and supporting green jobs and local economies. Funded projects will enhance efforts made through New York’s 25 Million Trees Initiative to restore and sustain the state’s natural landscapes.

For Round 5 of this grant opportunity, DEC’s goal is to support underserved landowners and priority projects. A portion of the grant funds will be reserved until March 10, 2026, for landowners and projects that meet the following criteria:

Landowners:

• active or veteran military landowners;
• first-time landowners (owned property less than 10 years); and
• State or federally recognized Indian Nations or Tribes.

Or projects dedicated to:

• Improving the health of significantly degraded forests due to an insect pest or disease outbreak; and
• Large-scale planting projects (greater than 5 acres).

Private landowners planning to restore or establish five or more acres of forest land in New York State may apply for grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $1 million. A 10 percent match is required. A portion of the funding for projects in this round will be available upfront to assist with the high costs associated with these practices. Eligible projects include:

• planting trees to restore or create new forests;
• Creating young forest habitat to initiate natural regeneration and improve wildlife habitat;
• Thinning to remove unhealthy or close-growing trees to promote forest health or regrowth;
• removing competing or invasive vegetation that would interfere with seedling establishment and growth; and
• Installing tree protection to prevent deer browsing of young tree seedlings.

Applicants must work with a forester or a qualified natural resource professional to develop their project.

A portion of the grant funds will be reserved for priority landowners and projects until Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Any remaining funds will then be made available to all qualified applicants. Applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on August 31, 2026, in SFS Grants Management. Grant funds will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or the August 31 deadline.

Expanded funding for the fifth Round of Regenerate NY is supported by the USDA Forest Landowner Support Grant, the Environmental Protection Fund, and the Arbor Day Foundation.

For more details about the grant opportunity including application criteria, visit DEC’s website. For more information, read the January 16 press release.

Learn more about Regenerate NY

If you like this post, you’ll love our daily environmental newsletter, EnviroPolitics. It’s packed daily with the latest news, commentary, and legislative updates from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware…and beyond. Don’t take our word for it. Try it free for a whole month

The funding is about 4% less than last year but more than 50% more than a previous White House proposal. It cuts funding for Superfund activities but maintains other operations funding and research

By Megan Quinn, Senior Reporter, Waste Dive

The Senate on Thursday approved an $8.8 billion budget for the U.S. EPA through the end of the fiscal year in September. The approval is part of a three-bill funding package that also approves certain science spending and budgets for the departments of Justice, Interior, Commerce and Energy.

The bill, which now heads to President Donald Trump for signature, includes funding for key programs such as Superfund, but 47% less than the previous year’s budget. It also provides funding for various research projects involving PFAS, landfill methane, eRINs and numerous water quality and safety programs.

The funding amount is about 4% less than last year’s budget of about $9 billion, but both environmental groups and lawmakers said the cuts were less dire than the White House had previously signaled. The president’s original budget proposal for the agency was around $4.16 billion.

Read the full story

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(TRENTON) – Governor Phil Murphy this week signed into law a bill to strengthen New Jersey’s aquaculture industry by expanding the promotion of locally grown seafood through the Jersey Fresh program.

Bill A3034, sponsored by Assemblymen Clinton Calabrese, Roy Freiman, and William Spearman, will direct the Department of Agriculture to advertise and promote New Jersey aquaculture products under the State’s widely recognized Jersey Fresh branding initiative.

     “Aquaculture is an increasingly important part of New Jersey’s agricultural economy, and the farmers behind it deserve the same visibility and marketing support as other Jersey Fresh producers,” said Assemblyman Calabrese (D-Bergen, Passaic). “This bill helps connect consumers with high-quality, locally grown seafood while also supporting businesses and job creation along our coast and inland waterways.”

     By incorporating aquaculture into Jersey Fresh promotions, the legislation will boost consumer awareness, increase demand for New Jersey seafood, and support sustainable food production across the state.

     “Jersey Fresh is all about promoting the best New Jersey’s agricultural community has to offer, and that includes our aquaculturists,” said Assemblyman Freiman (D-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset). “Expanding Jersey Fresh to include aquaculture ensures our marketing efforts don’t stop at the water’s edge, but rather reflect the full range of products grown and raised in the Garden State.”

     The bill recognizes aquaculture as a key component of New Jersey’s food system, helping producers compete in regional markets while giving consumers more opportunities to buy local.

     “Our Jersey Fresh program is trusted by consumers, and this legislation puts that trusted label to work for aquaculture businesses,” said Assemblyman Spearman (D-Camden, Gloucester). “Promoting local seafood supports economic growth, sustainability, and food security for communities across New Jersey.”

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First Democratic woman to represent the 2nd Leg. District

 (TRENTON) – Maureen Rowan was sworn into the New Jersey General Assembly on Tuesday by Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. Assemblywoman Rowan now represents the 2nd Legislative District in Atlantic County, becoming the first Democratic woman to represent Atlantic County in the Legislature.

     “Assemblywoman Rowan’s experience as both an attorney and a small business owner gives her a valuable perspective on the challenges New Jersey families face,” said Speaker Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “I am confident she will be a strong voice for Atlantic County and a dedicated partner in our efforts to energize Atlantic City’s tourism economy, expand workforce opportunities, and protect the rights of all New Jerseyans.”

     Assemblywoman Rowan brings over three decades of experience as a respected trial attorney and former managing partner of her own law firm, where she oversaw daily operations and advocated for clients. She plans to apply her legal background and business expertise to fight for Atlantic County residents and ensure their rights, needs, and interests remain a priority in Trenton.

     “After 35 years practicing law and advocating for clients, I am humbled to bring that experience to Trenton,” said Assemblywoman Rowan (D-Atlantic). “My priorities are clear: economic security, reproductive freedom, affordable health care, expanding access to housing, and strong public schools. I will always fight for the people of Atlantic County and make sure their voices are heard.”

     Assemblywoman Rowan earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from LaSalle College and her Juris Doctor from Temple University.