Statewide Trails Coalition

NEW YORK STATE TRAILS COALITION

Promote passage of the Community Trails Initiative bill, S02324 Rath/A9317 DelMonte, that establishes a taskforce to develop a plan for a comprehensive statewide, interconnected system of multi-use trails - AWAITING THE GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE

Work with trail groups and agency officials to create a comprehensive statewide trails database with information on trails open as well as planned and under construction

Produce background guides, such as Working with Utilities, Working with the Railroads, Responding to an Abandonment, to strengthen efforts to deal with key constituencies - - IN PROCESS

Ensure $275 million for the Environmental Protection Fund as part of the 2008 state budget, including the $500,000 proposed by the Executive office for grants to not-for-profit park and trail organizations - – EPF-$255 MILLION, CAPACITY GRANTS NOT INCLUDED AT THE END

Advocate for $500 million for EPF and $50 million for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund in the future

Support additional federal funding for greenways and trails construction and maintenance in the reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU

Gather trail supporters for a Trails Advocacy Day, March 18, 2008 - VERY SUCCESSFUL

Meet with key legislators in the Senate and Assembly
Assist participants with talking points and trails benefits fact sheet

Celebrate National Trails Day 2008, Join Us on the Trail, with events across the state – MORE THAN 60 CANALWAY TRAIL EVENTS, OP-ED IN ROCHESER AREA PAPER

Promote events on state and local levels and distribute a press release template adaptable to individual locations that places local events in a statewide context
Encourage local public officials to “join us on the trail”

Prepare an Op-Ed template, adaptable for local and regional distribution, describing the economic impact that trails have made in the state

Produce and distribute an updated edition of Parks & Trails New York’s booklet Greenways & Trails: Bringing Economic Benefits to New York

Establish a database of resource persons willing to provide information and assistance on trails-related topics

Share information about trail meetings and hearings so local advocates can participate and advocate for trail projects

Get trails on the agenda for local trainings required of all planning boards and ZBAs – WORKING ON TRAINING MODULE FOR NYS DEPARTMENT OF STATE

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, or NYS Canal Corporation

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 518-434-1583.


		NEW YORK STATE TRAILS COALITION

	Parks & Trails New York invites trails supporters to join out Statewide 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! Your support can help get important trails legislation passed. Here's how you can help. Action Plan 2008 New York State Trails Coalition *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. Plan for a statewide, interconnected network of trails Promote passage of the Community Trails Initiative bill, S02324 Rath/A9317 DelMonte, that establishes a taskforce to develop a plan for a comprehensive statewide, interconnected system of multi-use trails - AWAITING THE GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE Work with trail groups and agency officials to create a comprehensive statewide trails database with information on trails open as well as planned and under construction Produce background guides, such as Working with Utilities, Working with the Railroads, Responding to an Abandonment, to strengthen efforts to deal with key constituencies - - IN PROCESS 2. Secure additional resources for trails and trails organizations Ensure $275 million for the Environmental Protection Fund as part of the 2008 state budget, including the $500,000 proposed by the Executive office for grants to not-for-profit park and trail organizations - – EPF-$255 MILLION, CAPACITY GRANTS NOT INCLUDED AT THE END Advocate for $500 million for EPF and $50 million for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund in the future Support additional federal funding for greenways and trails construction and maintenance in the reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU 3. Raise the visibility of and support for trails in New York State Gather trail supporters for a Trails Advocacy Day, March 18, 2008 - VERY SUCCESSFUL Meet with key legislators in the Senate and Assembly Assist participants with talking points and trails benefits fact sheet Celebrate National Trails Day 2008, Join Us on the Trail, with events across the state – MORE THAN 60 CANALWAY TRAIL EVENTS, OP-ED IN ROCHESER AREA PAPER Promote events on state and local levels and distribute a press release template adaptable to individual locations that places local events in a statewide context Encourage local public officials to “join us on the trail” 4. 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 Produce and distribute an updated edition of Parks & Trails New York’s booklet Greenways & Trails: Bringing Economic Benefits to New York 5. Enhance communication among trail groups at state and local levels Establish a database of resource persons willing to provide information and assistance on trails-related topics Share information about trail meetings and hearings so local advocates can participate and advocate for trail projects Get trails on the agenda for local trainings required of all planning boards and ZBAs – WORKING ON TRAINING MODULE FOR NYS DEPARTMENT OF STATE 6. 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, or NYS Canal Corporation 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 518-434-1583.
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