Message from the Executive Director

I want to thank you, CPF’s members, sponsors and volunteers, for your support over the last year. As you read through this issue of the Upland Journal, you’ll see that last year was a busy one for CPF. Your support made these accomplishments possible.

This is an incredible time to be working in land conservation in New York. The pandemic elevated people’s awareness of the value of public access trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. Landowners have a renewed appreciation for their own properties and many are seeking out opportunities to protect their lands. The funding opportunities for land conservation have never been better. The New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) was budgeted at the $400 million level this year, the largest allocation in its history. The New York State Senate also recently passed the $4.2 billion 2022 Environmental Bond Act. If voters pass this measure in November, an additional $650 million in funding will be available for land conservation, recreation, and water quality improvement projects. This spring, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced a new forest conservation grant program to increase the number of acres of protected private forest lands in the state. All of these present conservation opportunities for CPF.

Currently, CPF holds 2,700 acres in conservation easements and owns 430 acres of protected open space and habitat. CPF will add 471 acres of conserved farmland to its portfolio this year. In addition, the CPF Board and Committees are currently reviewing several potential conservation projects that would add an additional 2,400 acres of protected land, nearly doubling CPF’s conservation portfolio, over the next several years.

You made 2021 the most successful fundraising year in CPF’s history. We’ll be looking to break that record again this year, as we continue to work to increase our capacity so that, together, we can meet the growing conservation needs of our area.

Jennifer Wong
Executive Director
Cazenovia Preservation Foundation