The Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF) is the recipient of two grants from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP). The total $19,000 award will be used by CPF to prepare and apply for national accreditation through the Land Trust Alliance.
The New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) is an innovative public-private partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Alliance’s New York Program. This program offers competitive matching grants to qualified New York land trusts to advance land conservation, economic development, farmland protection, community conservation, and recreation and tourism
CPF was one of 55 land trusts from Long Island to Buffalo that received 72 grants totaling $1.8 million. CPF is one of the oldest land trusts in New York, incorporated in 1967 as a not-for profit to protect the historic, agricultural and natural resources of the Cazenovia area for the benefit of the community.
“Land trusts continue to make a difference in local communities, maximizing public and private dollars to protect and preserve our state’s natural resources for generations to come,” said acting DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Through partnerships like these, the Environmental Protection Fund provides critical support for many environmental and open space programs, generating revenue, creating jobs and ensuring a cleaner and healthier New York.”
For the accreditation process the CPF Board and an Accreditation Team will conduct a rigorous examination of its standards and practices. Proven, well-documented and consistent practices will be put in place to ensure the ability of CPF to honor its long-term commitment to the public interest through stewardship of land and conservation easements.
CPF expects to join the ranks of over 300 other respected land trusts nationally with its accreditation award in the fall of 2017 and move into its next 50 years as a strong, effective organization able to make good use of contributions and resources to meet its community mission.
“We applaud New York’s tremendous progress in strengthening the Environmental Protection Fund in this year’s state budget. Individually and together, these are smart investments promoting healthy communities, strategic land conservation and environmental stewardship. On behalf of the Land Trust Alliance and its supporters, we thank Governor Cuomo, Acting Commissioner Seggos and the New York State Legislature,” said Andrew Bowman, president of the Land Trust Alliance.
