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 hope to foster enhanced networking and stronger working relationships among New York 's trail advocates. We'll 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 have already joined the Coalition.

We're hearing from Coalition members about their current trail projects, their biggest challenges, the assistance they would most like from Parks & Trails New York , and the issues that the Coalition should be tackling.

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

ACTION PLAN 2009
Making New York A Pre-eminent Trail State

Our Vision
A statewide, interconnected network of primary, regional and local trails will link communities and parks and ensure that 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

 

  1. Additional resources for trails and trails organizations
  • $300 million for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) as part of the 2009-2010 state budget and no reductions in EPF funding for municipal parks grants – EPF FUNDED AT $222 MILLION – AVICTORY IN A TIGHT ECONOMY
  • $50 million for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund – ADVOCACY ONGOING
  • Increased funding for greenways and trails construction and maintenance and active transportation in the new federal transportation bill – ADVOCACY ONGOING
  • $250,000 within the EPF for a capacity grants program to strengthen park and trail not-for-profit organizations PUT ON HOLD DUE TO STATE FISCAL SITUATION
  1. Close the Gaps – complete the Canalway Trail System
  • Include seven key “shovel-ready” Erie Canalway Trail projects in federal economic stimulus legislation – TWO PROJECTS FUNDED
  • Identify and help procure a match for two Erie Canalway Trail projects with almost 90% federal funding – MATCH FOUND
  • Convene key stakeholders to brainstorm alternative resource options
  • Ensure three Transportation Bond Act-funded projects are brought to completion- ADVOCACY ONGOING
  • Generate public and legislative support for the Canalway Trail’s completion –ADVOCACY ONGOING

 

  1. Raise the visibility and level of support for trails in New York State
  • Host Trails Advocacy Day, Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - A GREAT SUCCESS
    • Meet with key legislators in the Senate and Assembly
    • Develop talking points, trails benefits fact sheet, and other materials to facilitate legislative visits in district and Albany offices
  • Celebrate National Trails Day, June 6, 2009, with events across the state – SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE
    • 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
  1. Promote the economic benefits of trails
  • Prepare an Op-Ed template, adaptable for local and regional distribution, describing the economic impact that trails have made in the state
  • Publicize the results of OPRHP’s survey of 8 NYS rail trails
  • Publish Trail Town booklet with tips on how communities can market and appeal to trail users – IN PROCESS

 

  1. Enhance communication among trail groups at state and local levels
  • Explore opportunities and means for linking resource persons with local trail advocates
  • Include a  trails workshop in the Department of State-sponsored trainings provided for planning boards and Zoning Boards of Appeal – IN PROCESS
  1. Encourage and support trail volunteers
  • 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
  • Enact legislation allowing the NYS Canal Corporation to waive the permit fee for volunteers

 

 

 

Join Us! To join, download and fill out our coalition registration card and mail it in. For more information, contact Parks & Trails New York at ptny@ptny.org or call 518-434-1583.

Build a broad base of support for trails in New York – Join the Statewide Trails Coalition

 

  

 
           
 

29 Elk Street * Albany, NY 12207 * (ph) 518-434-1583 * (fax) 518-427-0067 * ptny@ptny.org