Parks & Trails New York

Parks & Trails New York invites trails supporters to join the New York State Trails Coalition to build broad-based support that can send a powerful message to funders, legislators, and agency officials. With more than 700 groups involved in developing and maintaining trails within New York, the time has come to join forces to advocate for trails and greenways policies, programs, and funding that can benefit everyone.

Through the Coalition, we foster enhanced networking and stronger working relationships among New York 's trail advocates. We also offer opportunities for Coalition members to discuss important trail issues and set an action agenda.

Trails groups, educational institutions, nature centers, local development agencies, land trusts, historical organizations, and village, town, and county governments from all regions of the state are members of the Coalition.

Any individual, organization, or local government involved with trails in New York is encouraged to join the Coalition.

The Vision
New Yorkers are only minutes from a trail. Throughout the state, trails will be acknowledged as an essential and mainstream element of community infrastructure, much as utility lines and sidewalks are thought of today. Beyond its borders, New York will be recognized as one of the most trail-rich and trail-friendly states and will attract visitors from across the nation and abroad to experience the historic communities and varied and beautiful landscapes accessible through the state’s trail network.

Achieving the Vision: Goals of the New York State Trails Coalition

1. A statewide, interconnected network of trails

Create a plan for a comprehensive statewide, interconnected system of multi-use trails based on the participation of multiple state agencies and stakeholder groups

$134 million for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) as part of the 2011-202 state budget to provide municipalities with funds for land acquisition and trail development
$125 million for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund stateside program
Increased funding for greenways and trails construction and maintenance and active transportation in a new federal transportation bill

Convene key stakeholders to brainstorm alternative resource options
Generate public and legislative support for the Canalway Trail’s completion

Promote events on state and local levels
Distribute a press release template adaptable to individual locations
Invite local public officials to experience a nearby trail

Investigate insurance options for trails organizations
Educate elected officials, insurance industry representatives, and other decision makers on the importance of an expanded General Obligations Law
Advocate for standard registration forms and procedures for volunteers working with DEC, OPRHP, and the NYS Canal Corporation