Document Category: Forestry Landowners
Management Assistance Program (MAP)
Management Assistance Program (MAP)
Research shows that landowners value their forests for more than economics. They cherish the aesthetic beauty, wildlife habitat, and recreational retreat their land provides. To support these values, the Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) offers funding to improve forest health while also protecting water quality.
The Management Assistance Program (MAP) is a financial incentive program that helps offset the cost of forest management activities on properties in the New York City Watershed. In addition to funding stewardship activities, MAP also provides technical support for landowners.
Activities Eligible for MAP Funding (click on activity for additional details):
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Site Visit with a Watershed Forester
Meet one-on-one with a Watershed Forester for guidance, property goals, and woodlot management options.
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Timber Stand Improvement (TSI)
TSI is to a forest what weeding is to a garden. It improves timber growth and quality by removing low-quality trees and giving healthy crowns space to thrive.
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Tree Planting
Supports forest regeneration through site preparation, planting, tree shelters, and fencing — promoting timber production, carbon storage, and cleaner water.
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Invasive Plant Control
Reduce or eliminate invasive species (native or non-native) that interfere with your forest management goals.
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Stream Bank (Riparian) Improvement
Plant shrubs and/or trees along non-forested streams to improve trout habitat, slow runoff, trap sediment, protect stream banks, and shade wetlands.
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Wildlife Improvement Practices, including:
– Wildlife Crop Tree Release
– Fruit Tree Release/Pruning
– Seep and Vernal Pool Protection and Enhancement
– Wildlife Seeding in a Forest Opening
– Snag and Cavity Tree Development
– Early Successional Habitat Management
How to Apply
Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed monthly. Work may be completed by the landowner, a contractor, or both. Projects must be completed within six months of approval and are paid upon completion.
MyWoodlot
MyWoodlot
As a landowner, you’re unique — and so is your land. What you want to do with your property is unique, too. If you have questions or aren’t sure where to start, MyWoodlot.com can help. Built by the Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC), MyWoodlot.com provides information and resources to help you care for and enjoy your land in ways that reflect your personal goals.
We’ve gathered some of the best woodland resources from both landowners and professionals, and presented them in the context of real projects you can actually do.
MyWoodlot is free and available 24/7.
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Areas of interest:
The content on MyWoodlot is organized into twelve key areas of interest:
- Beauty & Scenery
- Climate Change & My Woods
- Community
- Income
- Fire & Storm Damage
- Leaving a Legacy
- Nature & Wildlife
- Pests
- Privacy & Tresspassing
- Protecting Water
- Recreation
- Reducing Taxes
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My Woodlot Additional Features Include:
- Blogs: Written by forestry staff and partners, offering insights into their work and forest management tips.
- Discussion Forum: Ask questions and get answers from Forestry staff, experts and fellow landowners.
- Events: Stay informed about workshops and events relevant to forestland owners.
- Wish List & Profile: Create a profile to save forest activities and projects to return to later.
- Searchable: While the content is organized by key interest areas, a powerful search feature helps you quickly find specific information.
Trees 4 Tributaries
Trees for Tributaries Program (T4T)
Riparian buffers (forested areas along streams) are essential for maintaining healthy waterways and reduce pollution, erosion, and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC), in partnership with the Hudson River Estuary Program, offers the Trees for Tribs (T4T) Program to communities in the Croton Watershed.
The T4T Program provides free trees and shrubs to eligible landowners for replanting streamside forests. Projects are customized to align with the landowner’s goals and objectives as much as possible. Active participation by the applicant in project development is highly encouraged. Because this is a community-based program, successful projects also rely on a sufficient number of volunteers.
Long-term success depends on ongoing maintenance, monitoring, frequent site visits, and watering during periods of drought.
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A typical project includes:
- Site visit
- Marking the planting area
- Invasive species control
- Plant selection
- Hole drilling (using shovels or mechanical auger)
- Project-related educational opportunities
- Press release development
- Tree tubes for deer damage protection
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How to Apply
- Contact the WAC Forest Stewardship Educator before filling out the T4T application.
- Submit your application by the seasonal deadlines:
Spring projects: February 1
Fall projects: July 1
Applications are selected competitively. Applicants will be notified of their status by mail.
480a Incentive Programs
480a Incentive Programs
The New York State Forest Tax Law Program (480-a) offers landowners the potential for substantial property tax savings. This voluntary program is available to those owning at least 50 wooded acres. Participants can receive up to an 80% property tax reduction by committing to 10 or more years of active forest management. To enroll, landowners must have a written Forest Management Plan prepared by a state-approved professional forester.
The Watershed Agricultural Council supports the 480-a Program because it preserves forestland. Landowners in the New York City Watershed qualify for WAC funding to help pay for their management plan and required updates.
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480-a Enrollment Incentive Program
Initial enrollment in the 480-a Program requires a Forest Management Plan. WAC can assist you with the enrollment process and help cover plan costs.
Steps to enroll:
- Complete the 480-a Enrollment Incentive Application and send it to WAC.
- Contact a Watershed Qualified Forester to write your management plan.
- Submit plan and required documents to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) – your chosen forester can assist with this.
- Once enrolled, you will receive a Certificate of Approval (COA). Send a copy of the COA, management plan, work schedule, and W9 form to WAC to receive your enrollment funding.
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480-a Update Incentive Program
Landowners must update their Forest Management Plan every 5 years to maintain eligibility for the 480-a tax break. Updates must be prepared by a forester. If your property is in the New York City Watershed and your update is due, WAC can help offset the cost.
Steps to update:
- Complete the 480-a Update Incentive Application and send it to WAC.
- Contact your forester to complete necessary updates and work with them to submit the required documents to the NYS DEC.
- Once the update is approved, you will receive a 480-a Update Certificate. Send a copy of the certificate, updated management plan, work schedule, and W-9 form to WAC to receive your update funding.
For more detailed information and frequently asked questions about the 480-a Tax Law Program, visit the Understand 480-a page on MyWoodlot.
Landowners
Programs and Incentives for Forest Landowners
The Watershed Agricultural Council’s Forestry Program has several programs with financial incentives available to forest landowners in the NYC watershed region.
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480a Incentive Programs
For landowners with 50+ forested acres: This program supports landowners seeking or continuing a tax deduction through New York State’s Forest Tax Law Program (480a)
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Management Assistance Program
For forest stewardship activities: Get technical support and financial incentives for activities such as forester site visits, timber stand improvements, invasive plant control, and riparian (streamside) improvement.
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MyWoodlot
For woodland activities and resources: This website helps you steward and manage your forestland, with resources organized by interest and directories of forestry professionals.
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Trees for Tributaries (T4T)
For streamside improvement: A community-based program that provides free trees and shrubs to improve streamside forests.
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Forest Landowner Education
For proactive landowners:
Find educational events and resources to expand your knowledge and skills and become a better forest steward.