County Executive Neuhaus Opens Spring 2026 Application Round for Open Space Fund

County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus announced that the Spring 2026 application cycle for Orange County’s Open Space Fund is officially open, with applications due April 22, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Applicants must submit one original hard copy by mail to Orange County Department of Planning, 124 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10924, and one digital copy via file share or email to planning@orangecountygov.com. The county posted the announcement on February 27, 2026.

The county described the program as a matching-grant tool: “Orange County Executive Steven M. (Steve) Neuhaus officially opened the Spring 2026 application cycle for the county’s Open Space Fund, a matching-grant program that helps municipalities and eligible groups purchase or place development rights on farmland, forests, waterways and commu” and the program accepts applications for open space preservation projects tied to county planning goals. Funding may cover up to 50 percent of the purchase price and cannot exceed 50 percent of the appraised value.

Neuhaus urged municipal participation in the program in the county release, saying, “I encourage our towns, villages, and cities to take full advantage of this funding opportunity,” Neuhaus added stressing the importance of municipal participation in the program. “The Open Space Fund is a valuable tool that helps municipalities protect local resources, preserve community character, and make strategic investments in their future. I urge eligible municipalities to apply and utilize this fund to support projects that will deliver lasting benefits for residents.”

Commissioner of Planning Alan J. Sorensen framed the fund as advancing county plans and community amenities, stating, “The Open Space Fund empowers municipalities and partners to protect the landscapes that define Orange County,” said Commissioner of Planning Alan J. Sorensen. “These projects safeguard natural resources, enhance recreation opportunities, and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same open spaces we value today.” Applications will be reviewed in accordance with the adopted Program Guidelines and Evaluation Criteria, and must include complete copies of all materials described in those guidelines.

The county explicitly excludes properties already purchased for open space or farmland protection from eligibility. Applicants and municipal partners should consult the Orange County Department of Planning materials, including the referenced OC OSF Flyer SPRING 26 v3_001 and the Program Guidelines, for the full list of eligible applicants and project types. For media inquiries, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive and Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845-291-2700. The Open Space Fund runs two cycles each year - Spring and Fall - with this Spring round moving projects toward review under the county’s Open Space Plan, Comprehensive Plan, and Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan.