Parks Budget – Top priority for 2008 will be passage of a state budget that increases operations and capital funding for parks. Read Parks & Trails New York’s testimony and presentations from the October 30 hearing on the DOB website and even watch the webcast! Also view Commissioner Ash’s presentation.
Read Parks & Trails New York's report on state parks and Winter 2007-2008 issue of GreenSpace
Statewide multi-use trails system plan –With sponsors in both houses, this bill, initially proposed by Parks & Trails New York, establishes a task force to develop a plan for creating a comprehensive system of multi-use trails throughout New York. The plan would include a vision for a statewide interconnected network of multi-use trails; a GIS inventory of existing trails across the state; identification of new trail opportunities; acquisition and development priorities; design, maintenance, signage, and promotion guidelines; acquisition, construction, maintenance and promotional funding recommendations; and a schedule for implementation of task force recommendations. S02324 Rath/A9317 DelMonte.
Funding for the Environment
Environmental Protection Fund
$300 million for EPF in FY08-09
As part of the Friends of New York’s Environment Coalition, Parks & Trails New York calls for the EPF to rise from $275 million to $300 million in 2008-2009.
Stop borrowing and funding staff positions from EPF
We commend the Executive Office's actions in 2007 which increased the General Fund allocation to Agency budgets allowing for the hiring of new staff at the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of State, and the Adirondack Park Agency. While we support revitalization of state agencies by adding staff for critical environmental programs, we oppose funding any of these positions through EPF.
Parks & Trails New York opposes the use of any additional Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) monies for the purpose of general fund spending whether for staff positions or other expenditures. Over the life of the Fund, at least $322 million has been “borrowed” and used for general fund purposes rather than environmental programs. The funds that have been “borrowed” from the EPF in previous years should be gradually returned so that a full measure of funds is available for the protection of natural resources and public health throughout New York.
$500 million EPF by 2010
Bigger Better Bottle Bill – Parks & Trails New York will once again be working to pass this bill that would expand the State’s existing Bottle Bill to include most non-carbonated beverage containers. The law would also require that any unclaimed deposits be paid to the EPF which could help the EPF reach the environmental community’s goal of $500 million by 2010. The Bigger Better Bottle Bill would also provide financial incentives to municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and businesses to purchase and improve container recycling equipment and facilities. A8044 Sweeney/S5850 Marcellino
Support for Trails
Highway funds for bike/ped paths – This bill would make it clear that local governments may use DOT highway (Marchaselli) funds for design, construction, land acquisition or ancillary uses for bicycle and pedestrian paths. Marchaselli funds have historically been used only for road projects. A02343 Hoyt/S03216 Libous
Liability protection for trail developers and maintainers – There are two slightly different bills in each house. The Senate bill, S04263, sponsored by Carl Marcellino, would amend the General Obligations Law to significantly expand the types of recreational activities covered by the law by adding “any other recreational use” to the existing list of recreational activities. The bill would also expand the definition of "occupant" of the premises covered by the law to mean any person, organization, or entity, which, individually or collectively, develops, manages and/or maintains a recreational use upon the premises. The bill would ensure coverage by trail groups.
The Assembly bill, A05179, sponsored by David Koon, would only expand the definition of occupant of the premises covered by the law to mean any person, organization, or entity, which, individually or collectively, develops, manages and/or maintains a recreational use upon the property. This bill would not add to the list of recreational activities covered by the law.
Trapping near trails – There are two slightly different bills that would regulate the placement of body-gripping traps, including the prohibition of such traps within 100 to 500 feet of trails. A1748 Thiele/ S00872 Lavalle S00823A Padavan/A10615A Englebright is the same as the Thiele and Lavalle bills but would also require the posting of signs warning of trapping on public lands where trapping is permitted.
Support for Parks
Federal
$50 million for the stateside Land and Water Conservation Fund - The FY2008 federal budget, signed into law by President Bush at the end of December, decreases the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) stateside program by about 18% -- from $30 million in FY07 to $24.6 million for 2008. President Bush had proposed zero funding for the program.
The stateside LWCF program provides matching grants to states and local governments for public outdoor recreation areas and facilities and is the only way states such as New York, with few national parks and little federal land, can receive their fair share of LWCF funds. . In New York, these monies are granted to local governments for the acquisition, development and/or rehabilitation of outdoor park and recreation facilities through the OPRHP-administered grants program. Parks & Trails New York pledges to work to increase the fund to $50 million in the next federal budget cycle.
State
Trees and Parks in New York City - This bill would establish a NYC parks, tree, and urban forestry fund through a check off on state tax returns. Funds would be used for the planting of trees and shrubs, park preservation and expansion, maintenance, and improvement of botanical gardens in New York City. A02164 Glick/S00910 Padavan