The rensselaer plateau working forest project continues with a 640 acres tract, connecting the pittstown state forest and grafton lakes state park

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service awarded the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation $1.07 million on August 26, 2025, through the Inflation Reduction Act - Forest Legacy Program (CFDA 10.734) to support forest conservation and land acquisition activities in New York's Rensselaer Plateau region. The project involves acquisition and management of a 640-acre tract that connects Pittstown State Forest and Grafton Lakes State Park, with completion targeted for July 31, 2030. The Forest Legacy Program funds the identification, protection, and preservation of environmentally important forest areas threatened by conversion to non-forest uses through fee simple acquisitions and conservation easements.

The funded initiative delivers multiple public benefits by expanding recreational access and supporting local forest-dependent industries. Specifically, the project will link 9.5 miles of multiuse trails in Pittstown State Forest with 20 miles of trails in Grafton Lakes State Park, enhancing public access to outdoor recreation. Additionally, the acquisition enables forest management practices that support five sawmills and one firewood processor, sustaining the regional forest products sector and economic activity dependent on active forest stewardship.

Public benefits include expanding public access for recreation, linking 9.5 miles of multiuse trails in the state forest with 20 miles of trails in the state park, and enabling forest management that supports 5 sawmills and a firewood processor.