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 2010

Making New York A Pre-eminent Trail State

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

2. Additional resources for trails and trails organizations

• $222 million for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) as part of the 2109-2011 state budget
• $50 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

3. Close the Gaps – complete the Canalway Trail System

• Convene key stakeholders to brainstorm alternative resource options
  
• Ensure three Transportation Bond Act-funded projects are brought to completion
  
• Generate public and legislative support for the Canalway Trail’s completion

4. Greater visibility and level of support for trails in New York State Trails
Advocacy Day, Wednesday, March 10, 2010

• 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
• National Trails Day, June 5, 2010
  
  • 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

5. Increased recognition of the economic benefits of trails to communities
throughout the state

6. Enhanced 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

7. Greater encouragement and support for 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