{"slug":"ny-dec-free-forester-site-visit","name":"DEC Forester Site Visit for Private Woodland Owners","provider":{"name":"New York State Department of Environmental Conservation","type":"state"},"organization":null,"country":"US","region":"NY","locality":null,"scope":"regional","audience":["landowner","farmer","homeowner"],"kind":"technical_assistance","benefit":"A free walk-through of your woodland with a DEC forester, who outlines management options and points you to cost-share and tax programs","summary":"DEC stewardship foresters in each region offer private, non-industrial forest landowners a free introductory site visit. The forester walks the property, discusses the owner's goals, explains what is growing there, and suggests next steps such as a stewardship plan, the Regenerate New York cost-share grant, EQIP, or 480-a. Work DEC foresters do not do, such as timber sale administration and 480-a plans, is referred to a list of private cooperating foresters.","eligibility":"Private, non-industrial forest landowners in New York seeking introductory management and technical advice. No acreage threshold is stated.","how_to_apply":"Find your county on DEC's stewardship forester coverage page and call the listed forester to schedule a visit. No form or fee.","url":"https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/private-forest-management","source_url":"https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/private-forest-management/dec-stewardships-forester-coverage","season":null,"program_status":"active","lat":null,"lng":null,"data_note":"The related Regenerate New York Forestry Cost Share Grant (projects of at least 5 acres, grants $10,000 to $1 million, 10 percent match) closed its Round 5 on March 30, 2026 after funds were exhausted; awards are expected late 2026 or early 2027. One Region 8 forester position was vacant at research time; the supervising forester covers those counties.","updated_at":"2026-11-08T00:02:20.743Z","page_url":"https://treerm.org/residents/programs/ny-dec-free-forester-site-visit","markdown_url":"https://treerm.org/residents/programs/ny-dec-free-forester-site-visit.md","license":"CC-BY-4.0"}