Open Space Conservation Grant Program is a grant from the NYS DEC (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation) that funds the acquisition of land and conservation easements to protect natural areas, wildlife habitat, and public access for recreation across New York State. Awards range from $50,000 to $3. 5 million.

Eligible applicants include New York State municipalities, Indian Nations or Tribes, and not-for-profit organizations. The program provides matching support for fee simple purchases, development rights acquisitions, and conservation easement purchases, covering up to 50% of the purchase price or appraised value. Funded projects may also include closing and stewardship costs.

The program supports goals outlined in state open space plans, including farmland preservation, forest conservation, water resource protection, and expanding public recreation opportunities. Applications for the spring 2026 cycle are due April 15, 2026.

Open Space Fund 2026 | Orange County, NY Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Orange County has developed a program to fund open space protection within it's jurisdiction.

The Fund provides matching support for fee simple, development rights, or conservation easement purchase price as well as closing or stewardship costs up to fifty percent (50%) of the purchase price, not to exceed 50% of the appraised value.

The program is designed to fulfill the recommendations adopted in several documents including the Orange County Open Space Plan, the Orange County Comprehensive Plan and the Orange County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan.

The program has established application and approval procedures, including specific criteria to evaluate the proposed projects, as well as required guidelines for the maintenance and monitoring of open space land acquired with financing through the program. Program Flyer for Spring 2026 Funding Cycle Applicants may be municipal applicants, not-for-profits, and individual property owners.

Municipal applicants are Towns, Villages, and Cities. Properties already purchased for open space or agriculture protection will not be eligible for funding. Applications submitted to the Orange County Department of Planning will be reviewed in accordance with the Program Guidelines (Attachment A) and Project Evaluation Criteria (Attachment B).

2026 Open Space Fund Application: Applications will be considered in two cycles, Spring and Fall. The Spring Cycle of the Open Space Fund is available. Applications are due April 22, 2026 by 4 pm.

Applications must include complete copies of all materials described in program guidelines. All questions should be submitted in writing to [email protected] .

Submissions must include: one (1) original and a digital copy of applications to: Orange County Open Space Fund Program Orange County Department of Planning Application and Program Guidance: Use the links below to download: Program Guidelines and Evaluation Criteria Open Space Fund Budget Worksheet Open Space Model Resolution 11. 18.

24 To help applicants fully fund their conservation projects, Orange County encourages pairing Open Space Fund (OSF) awards with state and federal grant programs that can support the remaining share of project costs. These programs can provide matching or gap funding for land acquisition and conservation easements, allowing projects to move forward more quickly and at a larger scale.

Below is a list of commonly used state and federal funding partners that may complement OSF awards. Applicants are encouraged to explore these options early to build a complete and competitive funding package. NYS DEC - Open Space Conservation Grant Program Provides state funding for the acquisition of land and conservation easements to protect natural areas, wildlife habitat, and public access for recreation across New York State.

NY Dept of Ag & Markets – Farmland Protection Implementation Grants (FPIG) Provides state funding to permanently protect active agricultural land through the purchase of development rights and conservation easements to support long-term farm viability.

NY Dept of Ag & Markets – Source Water Buffer Program Provides funding to establish conservation easements and vegetated buffers that protect drinking water sources and improve water quality. US DOT – Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Provides federal funding for community-based transportation projects, including pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, trail development, and related improvements.

USDA – Watershed Protection & Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Provides federal assistance for watershed-based projects that reduce flood risk, protect water resources, and support land conservation efforts. USDA – Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Provides federal funding to address watershed impairments caused by natural disasters, including measures to stabilize land and reduce future erosion or flood damage.

Orange County is committed to protecting its farmland, forests, waterways, and community spaces for future generations. Each year, the County awards funding to local projects that conserve open space, expand recreation opportunities, and enhance quality of life. This page highlights recently awarded projects and shows how they support the goals of the County’s Open Space Plan.

Explore the summaries and map below to learn more. 1. Moraczewski Farm Conservation Easement – Town of Warwick Sponsor: Moraczewski Family Farm Project Type: Farmland Preservation Protects 166 acres of family-run farmland that has been active since the 1920s.

Funding will help rebuild a barn, expand farm operations, and preserve land that buffers the Black Dirt Region. This aligns with Open Space Plan Goal 3. 2.

1 (Agriculture), supporting farmland protection through conservation easements (Action A. 4) and connecting new farmers to existing operations (Action D. 1).

2. Gibraltar Rock Community Forest – Town of Warwick Sponsor: Orange County Land Trust Project Type: Land Acquisition / Recreation Protects 136 acres of forest in Amity, keeping it open for hiking and horseback riding. Planned improvements include a parking area, trailhead, signage, and a trail map.

The project supports Open Space Plan Goals 3. 2. 3 (Forestry) and 3.

2. 7 (Biodiversity), promoting forest conservation (Actions A. 2, B.

3) and public access to natural areas. 3. Community Park – Village of Woodbury Sponsor: Village of Woodbury Project Type: Parkland Acquisition / Community Gardens The Village of Woodbury acquired 25.

6 acres of former farmland to create a new community park and its first community garden. Preserving this land prevents development and provides scenic green space. This supports Open Space Plan Goals 3.

2. 2 (Built Environment) and 3. 2.

5 (Recreation), expanding green spaces and park access (Actions C. 1, C. 2).

4. Community Park – Town of Wallkill Sponsor: Town of Wallkill Project Type: Parkland Acquisition Adds 18. 5 acres along the Shawangunk Kill to the Town of Wallkill’s Park system.

The land will stay natural for fishing, walking, and hiking while protecting riverfront habitat. The project aligns with Open Space Plan Goals 3. 2.

5 (Recreation) and 3. 2. 6 (Water Resources), preserving public access to parks (Action C.

1) and protecting water and riparian areas (Action C. 1). 1.

Land Acquisition – Village & Town of Chester Project Type: Land Acquisition / Open Space Preservation This project preserves 2. 4-acres in the center of the Village of Chester, protecting a scenic, rolling grassy hill lined with specimen trees between the uptown and downtown commercial areas.

The land provides an open, undeveloped landscape that contributes to community character and welcomes residents and visitors traveling through the Village. This project aligns with Open Space Plan goals Action 3. 2.

2 (C. 1) to acquire lands and develop pocket parks and linear trails in developed areas, and Action 3. 2.

2 (C. 2) to utilize conservation design that maintains interconnected open space in community centers . 2.

Conservation Easement – Town of Warwick Project Type: Conservation Easement This project protects 63. 44 acres of active farmland and prime soils at 149 Jessup Road from non-agricultural development, maintaining long-term agricultural productivity. The easement ensures the land remains available for farming while supporting normal farm operations, consistent with Article 25-AA of the Agriculture and Markets Law.

This aligns with the 2025 Draft Orange County Open Space Plan Goal 3. 2. 1 (Agriculture) by preserving farmland and supporting the local agricultural economy .

Municipal Planning & Zoning Resources Municipal GML 239 Referrals Orange County Planning Board Municipal Planning Federation Planning & Zoning Resources Environment & Sustainability Certified Climate Smart Community Mid-Hudson Regional Sustainability Plan Greenhouse Gas Inventory & Climate Action Plan Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board Orange County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Agriculture & Farming Support Organizations Funding Opportunities (PDF) Schunnemunk Rail Trail Project Legislative Agendas & Minutes Orange County Government Center Monday - Friday 9:00 a.

m. - 5:00 p. m.

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