Local Land Trusts Receive State EPF Grants

Two Central New York parks, including one in Canastota, are receiving money through Conservation Partnership Program grants.

The Cazenovia Preservation Foundation is receiving $10,000, while the Great Swamp Conservancy, in Canastota, is receiving nearly $16,000.

Nearly 60 land trusts throughout the state earned grants totaling $1.4 million, to be used for community outreach, education programs and land conservation.

The grants, funded through the state's Environmental Protection Fund, will be matched by $1.3 million in local and private funds.

Department of Environmental COnservation Commissioner Joe Martens says, "By increasing open space funding by $2.5 million in this year's budget, Governor Cuomo has placed a priority on preserving and conserving New York's natural resources. This dedicated source of funding will continue to cover critical environmental and land conservation programs."