OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION GRANT OPPORTUNITY
Presented by:
Maria Dewar April 2, 2026
Grant Opportunity:
Open Space Conservation grant
The purpose of this grant is to support land conservation in order to: • Protect air and water quality; • Provide habitat connectivity; • Preserve diverse ecosystems;
• Mitigate the impacts of climate change; • Provide equitable access to open space and recreational opportunities; and • Promote resilient communities.
Quick Facts • Maximum Award Amount: $3,500,000 • Minimum Award Amount: $50,000 • Required Grant Match: $0 • Grant Team: Advisory Group: Town Staff (Chris Bilow and Maria Dewar) and Friends of Webster Trails External Group: Ben Wisniewski, Diana Davis, and Garrett Wagner
Quick Facts Type of Grant: Performance Based
Quick Facts Funding Eligible Costs: • Fee purchase price provided by value supported by an appraisal in the DEC’s preferred format.
• Other costs: attorney fees; title report; value of appraisal(s); survey and boundary line marking completed by a professional land surveyor; Phase 1 Environmental study; title insurance; recording fees; conservation defense insurance (land trust only); and seller’s tax proration at the time of sale. • Site preparation (preparation and clean up) post sale and under $100,000.
Properties Identified for Opportunity Option 1: 959 Five Mile Line Rd
Option 2: 799 Holt Rd
OPTION 1: 959 FIVEM ILE LINE R D Preserves habitat connectivity: It serves as a key node within a broader network of wooded corridors linking inland habitats to Irondequoit Bay, enabling species movement, breeding, and long-term ecosystem stability.
The parcel functions as a complete ecosystem, consisting of a mix of deciduous and evergreen forest, meadow, pond, creek, and wetland features, including Shipbuilder’s Creek and its associated floodplain. Its identification as a priority acquisition parcel in both the Town’s 2001 and 2022 Open Space Green prints further underscores its strategic importance in preserving ecological function within a fragmented landscape.
Provide equitable access to open space and recreational areas: The site offers immediate community benefit through its existing trail network, multiple access points, and proximity to residential neighborhoods and the Route 104 bike path.
OPTION 2: 7 9 9 H O LT R D Preserves diverse ecosystems: The property’s forest canopy and permeable landscape contribute to carbon sequestration, temperature moderation, and stormwater management while the wetland and floodplain areas provide natural flood mitigation and water quality protection
Provide equitable access to open space and recreational areas: Its proximity to Charles E. Sexton Park and linkage through exiting bike infrastructure to additional areas of the Town transform the site from an isolated parcel into a critical connector between ecological assets and residential neighborhoods.
Next Steps • Confirm selection of properties to include in application. Option 1: 959 Five Mile Line Rd Option 2: 799 Holt Rd
Option 3: Submit Applications for both Option 1 & Option 2 • Vote Aye for resolution to authorize the submission of a Department of Environment Conservation Open Space Conservation grant application for two open space properties located at 959 Five Mile Line Rd, known as Tax ID#079.09-1-37.11, and 799 Holt Rd, known as Tax ID#079.08-1-13
QUESTIONS?