NEW YORK – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced a new, Trees for Tribs program dedicated to regrowing tree and shrubs near steams, rivers, or lakes to help stabilize banks, decrease erosion, protect water quality, and improve wildlife habitat.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced Wednesday a new Trees for Tribs program initiative called, “Buffer in a Bag,” designed to help increase riparian buffers throughout New York State.

“DEC’s Trees for Tribs program and our many partners have significantly improved the ecological health and resiliency of New York’s watersheds through streamside planting and maintenance,” said Seggos. “Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s continued record funding through the State’s Environmental Protection Fund, new programs like Buffer in a Bag will continue to bolster and sustain these efforts into the future.”

To qualify, officials said landowners must have property in New York State that borders at least 50 feet of a stream, river, or lake, and provide photos and map coordinates of the planting location.

Landowners with 100 feet or more may apply for up to two bags of seedlings per year. The species provided will vary depending on planting location (Long Island, Capital Region/Lower Hudson, North Country, and Central/Western NY).