NY S00629

Task force must conduct an assessment of all community gardens on publicly owned land to facilitate their designation as critical environmental areas (CEAs) under state environmental conservation regulations.

Task force shall provide a status report to the governor and legislature by January 1, 2024, and complete the full assessment by January 1, 2025.

Task force must conduct follow-up assessments of new community gardens by January 1, 2029, and every five years thereafter.

Assessment must include consultation with garden members and the Department of Environmental Conservation, and produce written summaries for each garden containing its name, address, jurisdictional agency, characteristics, CEA eligibility determination, and other relevant information.

Upon completion, task force must provide written summaries to garden leadership and recommend CEA designation to relevant agencies for gardens that meet the requirements.