# DEC Forester Site Visit for Private Woodland Owners

> Advice and site visits from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (State) for NY, United States.

Official page: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/private-forest-management
Source: https://treerm.org/residents/programs/ny-dec-free-forester-site-visit · Updated 2026-11-08 · Status: Open

**What you get:** A free walk-through of your woodland with a DEC forester, who outlines management options and points you to cost-share and tax programs

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.

## Who qualifies

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.

**For:** Landowners, Farmers, Homeowners

> 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.