Upper Susquehanna River Coalition (USC) of SWCDs Afforestation Project

**NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF STATE FUNDS**

NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

10B Airline Drive

Albany, New York 12235

UPPER SUSQUEHANNA WATERSHED CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

Support for Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) Goals and Water Quality Enhancement through Afforestation and Forest Stewardship

Letters of Interest will be accepted through September 12, 2025, at 4:00pm from eligible Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) within the Upper Susquehanna Watershed in New York. The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking proposals to support projects that align with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) goals by promoting forestry and agroforestry practices to enhance water quality, sequester carbon, and foster sustainable landscape management. Objectives include implementing afforestation and agroforestry practices across agricultural lands, supporting capacity building within SWCDs, and establishing standardized protocols for tree planting and forest stewardship. The project will develop sustainable solutions that benefit the environment, local communities, and agricultural producers.

Availability of funding for this program is from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund – Climate Resilient Farming Program Round 7 (NYS FY 23-24 Environmental Protection Fund).

Eligible applicants are Soil and Water Conservation Districts within the Upper Susquehanna Watershed in New York.

**Submission Details:**

Letters of Interest must be emailed to:

Brian Steinmuller

Division of Land and Water Resources

NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

Email: Brian.Steinmuller@agriculture.ny.gov

By: September 12, 2025 at 4:00pm

**This notice was prepared and submitted by:**

Brian Steinmuller

Assistant Director

Division of Land and Water Resources

NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

10B Airline Drive

Albany, NY 12235

8/20/25