By Kara Hartigan Whelan

As the Governor and Legislature negotiate this year’s state budget, there is a critical opportunity to improve and modernize New York’s land conservation program. At a time when we face unprecedented loss of nature, this is a pivotal moment to ensure our state can effectively protect open spaces and natural resources for future generations.

For more than 30 years, since New York established the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), the State has had a strong track record in conserving important wildlife habitats, expanding our State Parks system, preserving forests, and creating local parks, playgrounds, and community gardens. These efforts have provided not only recreational opportunities and stunning natural vistas but also clean air and water, vital carbon storage in forests, and vital economic benefits through outdoor tourism and jobs. Here in Westchester, EPF funds have been critical to helping Westchester Land Trust protect and care for thousands of acres of land and offer passive recreation opportunities to all community members.

However, in recent years, New York’s land acquisition process has ground to a halt. On average, the State used to acquire 70,000 acres annually. In 2023, it conserved fewer than 5,000 acres. This slowdown is due to outdated and inefficient practices. For example, instead of using title insurance like every other state in the nation, New York requires a full title history search, which slows down land transactions. It can add years to a land conservation project, meaning fewer parks and forests and less protection for our drinking water. Title insurance is an effective tool for expediting property transfers while ensuring legal certainty. It is high time for New York to adopt this standard real estate practice.

The impact of these delays is far-reaching. Land conservation isn’t just about preserving scenic views or protecting wildlife; it directly affects the quality of life for New Yorkers, providing us with safe water to drink, clean air to breathe, and safe places to enjoy the great outdoors. Currently, New York’s land trusts, including Westchester Land Trust, which pre-purchase land on behalf of the state, are holding more than 100,000 acres of land valued at $150 million. Land trusts are essential partners in the conservation process, buying land to protect it before it can be developed or degraded. Unfortunately, these lands are now in limbo. This backlog limits land trusts’ ability to acquire and protect more land, delaying access to crucial recreational spaces and the benefits that come with them.

Beyond the immediate conservation needs, the state’s current policies also pose a missed opportunity to address long-term environmental and economic concerns. By modernizing the acquisition process, New York can protect vital natural resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Land conservation programs also support local economies by enhancing tourism, outdoor recreation, and job creation.

The state’s budget negotiations present an opportunity to modernize New York’s land conservation program. Governor Hochul and the State Senate have proposed sensible solutions to help accelerate land acquisition, including allowing the use of title insurance to speed up transactions.

In addition, there are proposals to increase funding for land conservation through the Environmental Protection Fund, boosting it to $500 million with $60 million for land conservation. These proposals are a vital step forward in ensuring that New York can continue to expand its conservation efforts without unnecessary delays.

Together, these measures will improve the quality of life for millions of New Yorkers throughout the state by ensuring the long-term sustainability of our natural resources.

I urge the Governor and Legislature to ensure these critical provisions are included in the final state budget. It is imperative that we modernize the state’s land acquisition processes and grow funding to ensure the protection of New York’s natural resources. The health of our environment, Westchester’s communities, and our economy depends on it.

Kara Hartigan Whelan is the president of Westchester Land Trust.