New Funding Opportunity Announced for Lower Esopus Stream Projects
Published on April 09, 2026
New Funding Opportunity Announced for Municipalities and Non-Profits for Lower Esopus Stream Projects
Lower Esopus Creek Advisory Council Reaches Key Milestones in Strengthening Regional Watershed Collaboration
KINGSTON, NY - Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger today announced two major developments supporting long‑term stewardship of the Lower Esopus Creek: the release of a 2026 funding opportunity for projects that advance the Lower Esopus Stream Management Plan, and the adoption of a new Framework for Collaboration by the Lower Esopus Creek Advisory Council (LECAC).
The Lower Esopus Creek Advisory Council — composed of municipalities and community stakeholders from the Lower Esopus watershed and the contributing Sawkill and Plattekill Creek sub‑watersheds — was formed to coordinate implementation of the Lower Esopus Creek Stream Management Plan and strengthen local engagement in watershed health. The Council has now formally adopted its Framework for Collaboration, a milestone that establishes shared goals, decision‑making processes, and a unified structure for advancing restoration, mitigation, and community‑driven watershed priorities.
The Framework builds on years of stream management work following the 2013 Order on Consent with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, which funded the development and implementation of the Lower Esopus Stream Management Plan. As part of that agreement, the Hudson River Foundation for Science and Environmental Research, Inc. (HRF) administers a multi‑year Environmental Benefit Projects funding program to support projects that address water quality, reduce turbidity impacts, and enhance ecological, recreational, and community value along the Lower Esopus.
HRF is now accepting proposals from local governments and non-profit organizations to fund projects that align with the Lower Esopus Stream Management Implementation Plan. Awards in the range of $50,000 – $100,000 are available, and Letters of Interest must be submitted by April 30.
“Caring for the Lower Esopus is a shared responsibility, and the new Framework for Collaboration strengthens how we work across municipal lines to protect this important waterway and the local ecosystems it sustains,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “This grant opportunity will enable towns and non-profit partners to implement projects that enhance water quality, community access, and recreational enjoyment.”
“This funding gives municipalities and nonprofits a strong opportunity to move meaningful on‑the‑ground projects forward,” said Deputy County Executive Amanda LaValle. “These dollars can also help local partners leverage larger state and federal matching grants, positioning them to bring tangible improvements to the Lower Esopus and the communities along it. We look forward to seeing these efforts advance and produce lasting results.”
“The Department of the Environment would like to congratulate the Lower Esopus Creek Advisory Council for their progress,” said Andy Bicking, Director of the Ulster County Department of the Environment. “The organization represented by the new Framework for Collaboration will help the group realize its vision and goals in the years ahead. As part of the Department’s mission to help create the conditions for local environmental successes, we are excited to offer our technical support and guidance to community groups and local governments looking to apply for the most recent round of funding from the Hudson River Foundation.”
Eligible applicants should review both the Lower Esopus Stream Management Plan and the Implementation Plan, identifying the corresponding project number listed in the 2026 solicitation. Letters of Intent that meet the criteria will be invited to submit a full proposal. Department of the Environment staff are available to provide technical support and guidance to municipalities or community groups wishing to apply for the grant. Please contact environment@ulstercountyny.gov to schedule an appointment.
The Request for Proposals is available at: https://hudsonriver.org/article/le-smp-grants/. For questions related to the RFP, applicants may contact Jonathan Kramer, President of the Hudson River Foundation, at jkramer@hudsonriver.org. Information about the Lower Esopus Stream Management Plan and Implementation Plan can be found at: https://loweresopussmp-ulstercounty.hub.arcgis.com