Audubon New York Calls for Increased EPF Funding for Landowner Conservation Incentives

Many of New York’s fastest-declining bird species are overwhelmingly dependent on private lands. Species like the endangered Short-eared Owls, Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, Golden-winged Warblers and other grassland and shrubland dependent birds are facing steep population declines in New York.

The grassland and shrubland habitats on which these birds rely are primarily found on private land in New York and need active stewardship to help the birds survive and thrive.  However, increasing property taxes and lack of landowner incentives are limiting viable habitat stewardship options and threatening the future productivity of these unique habitats.  Audubon New York is fighting for new funding in the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to support the conservation of grassland and shrubland birds by enabling partnerships with private landowners for habitat improvement projects.   

We are asking our constituents to send letters to the Governor and their State Legislators urging for this funding to be included in the final budget. 

Click here to learn more about our grassland and shrubland conservation efforts.