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Got a Match?You can make twice the difference! You can help build, protect, and expand twice as many acres and miles of parks and trails throughout New York State! Your gift to Parks & Trails New York can be worth twice as much if your employer will match it. Check with your employer to find out about the matching gift program. |
Job Available - Assistant Bike Tour Director
A great opportunity for bicycle enthusiast or student looking for a spring/summer internship.
Got a Facebook or a Flickr Account? Join us!
We've expanded our web presence. We've launched a Facebook identity and developed a Flickr site.
Millions of people use Facebook everyday to keep up with friends, upload photos, share links and videos, and learn more about the people they meet. By joining Facebook, PTNY is working to connect with park and trail supporters by providing a forum to share ideas and connect with fellow advocates. If you have not done so already, join Facebook and search for "Parks & Trails New York" in the search query at the top right of any page. To interact, click the "become a fan" link, and you're all set. Fans will be able to upload photos, engage in discussions, and interact with other users.
Our Flickr site allows folks from around the world to store and share their digital photos. To join our group, all you need to do is open a Flickr account. You will then be able to view our photos and load some park and trail photos of your own – check us out!
Winter editions of PTNY's GreenSpace and Canalway Trail Times newsletter on line
The latest edition of our GreenSpace and Canalway Trail Times newsletters are now available online. Take a few moments to look through them and see what we've been up to and what has been accomplished over the last few months.
Thank you Parks & Trails E-News survey respondents
Thanks to the more than 200 subscribers who responded to our recent E-News survey! We were pleased to receive so many enthusiastic and encouraging responses. Not only did you provide us with valuable feedback on how to ensure Parks & Trails E-News continues to meet your needs, but you also told us just how valuable our E-News is to individuals and communities across the New York state and beyond. Survey results will be published in the March-April E-News.
Champlain Canal Trail visioning workshops planned for January
A working group formed earlier this year to encourage development of a multi-use trail along the Champlain Canal corridor as part of the statewide Canalway Trail system is planning two public workshops to gauge the degree of interest, solicit ideas on how best to proceed, and create a vision for the trail.
Park Friends newsletter coming soon
Parks & Trails New York plans to launch an electronic newsletter enabling Parks Friends organizations statewide to keep up with the news from Albany and share stories about their success and challenges. If you would like to receive this newsletter, email your contact information to Tim Sweeney.
Heads Up: Even small not-for-profits must file with IRS
It used to be that small tax-exempt organizations didn't have to annually file a 990 information form with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), but now they do, beginning with fiscal year 2008. To ensure that the IRS and potential donors have current information about all tax exempt organizations, those with gross receipts less than $25,000 must file the new Form 990-N or e-Postcard. Blue Avocado, the free on-line newsletter for nonprofits, has more information.
New DVD Teaches Safe and Competent Bicycling for ADULTS
Are you a novice or returning adult bicyclist looking forward to getting out on the road next spring (or maybe sooner)? Yes, bicycling is like - well, riding a bike; you don't forget how. But much has changed with bikes and the overall bicycling experience since you were a youngster. With that in mind, AdultBicycling.com has produced Geared Up! The Essentials of Adult Bicycling just for you (and as a refresher for more experienced bicyclists, too). This 20-minute video on DVD covers topics from bicycle "fit" and equipment to rules of the road, all intended to increase adult bicycling safety, competence and confidence.
Mohawk Greenway Project Plan now available online
The Oneida County Department of Planning recently released the Comprehensive Greenway Plan for the Mohawk River Corridor within Oneida County. The Plan identifies key sites along the corridor that offer opportunities for recreation, open space preservation, flood plain protection, stormwater management, historic preservation, protection of critical environmental resources, river access, wildlife habitat protection, wetland restoration, and public education. In addition, the plan identifies specific actions, activities, and recommendations that will provide for a linkage of these resources and the various programs that exist.
Be sure that our E-News doesn't get sent to your junk mail folder. Please add Parks & Trails New York (ptny@ptny.org) to your safe senders list. |
State Park Opens —Schodack, NY
Fiscal woes affect parks and historic sites —Upper Nyack, NY
NY Parks Feeling Budget Pinch — WAMC Audio
Walkway means dollars — Poughkeepsie, NY
SPAC work must wait— Saratoga Springs, NY
EDITORIAL: Protection is the key, no matter who does it
Budget plan will raise state parks fees, trim services — Orchard Park, NY
Tourist stops, parks falling on hard times — Poughkeepsie, NY
State parks forecast rate hike
Walkway get $440,000 federal grant - Poughkeepsie, NY
ROBERT MOSES: Parks looks for public input — Niagara Falls, NY
State hopes park projects have place in national stimulus plan
Schodack park will open daily — Schodack, NY
Delmar, Hoosic Falls receive grants to help with rail-trail efforts — Capital Region, NY
Parks & Trails Group Awards Grants
Happy news on trail. LIPA, Suffolk reach a compromise & New Greenway For Suffolk County - Port Jefferson, NY
Web feature gives Mohawk Valley tourists new tool - Canajoharie, NY
Possible Rails-to-Trails Conversion Stirs Debate- Orchard Park, NY
CV proposal appeals to snowmobile enthusiasts- Chenango Valley, NY
Parks called a sound investment- Albany, NY
Saratoga trail takes step forward- Saratoga Springs, NY
Crunching state payroll and deficit numbers- Buffalo, NY
As Others Fight Cuts, Parks Advocates Want $100 Million- Albany, NY
Groups Call on Gov. Paterson To Fund State Park System (AUDIO) - Albany, NY
Trails connect with nature- Albany, NY
State parks cut winter programs
State parks' status to be studied - Adirondack Park Region, NY
East River State Park will close three months of the year due to budget cuts - Brooklyn, NY
New rail trail planned for Southtowns (Audio) - Orchard Park, NY
Budget mess means some winter reductions at parks- Albany, NY
Assisting State Parks - Watertown, NY
Parks asked to trim budgets - Albany, NY
January
22 - Champlain Canal visioning workshop #1
29 - Champlain Canal visioning workshop #2
February
2 - Partnerships for Parks' Capacity Fund Application deadline.
27 - Deadline for Public comments on the NYS Open Space Plan
March
2 - Free T-shirt deadline for the Canal Clean Sweep
April
18 & 19 - 4th annual Canal Clean Sweep
June
6 - Canalway Trail Celebration
Support Parks & Trails New York by becoming a member today! |
Parks & Trails New York is a member of Earth Share of New York, an alliance of leading nonprofit environmental organizations. Please look for Parks & Trails New York and Earth Share in your workplace giving campaign brochure.For more information about giving through Earth Share, or to learn how you can help your office set up a workplace giving campaign with Earth Share of New York, check out Earth Share of New York´s web site, www.earthshareny.org.
Eight Capacity Building Grants awarded by Parks & Trails New York will provide not-for-profit park and trail organizations with the tools and expertise they need to survive and thrive in these challenging economic times. Funds will be used to increase organizational visibility and generate community support, grow membership, and attract additional volunteers.
Awards were granted to:
Parks & Trails New York received 76 applications from organizations located in 41 counties throughout the state. "The response we saw clearly illustrates how much these groups need and value this support. We are pleased that a generous private donor made it possible for us to offer this type of assistance, which no other grant program provides," said Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin.
Campaign for Parks
Press conference highlights need to invest in parks - 4,000 postcards for Parks delivered to Governor
Parks & Trails New York held a press conference on November 24, 2008 at the Legislative Office Building in Albany to call attention to the need to invest in parks. The event featured the more than 4,000 postcards we received for delivery to Governor Paterson urging his continued support of the revitalization of the state park system.
Parks & Trails New York was joined by Audubon New York, Adirondack Mountain Club, Scenic Hudson and Sierra Club in calling on the Governor to include the second installment of $100 million in parks capital funding in his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The groups noted that in the past challenging economic times have been the catalyst for some of the nation's greatest public works and infrastructure projects. Parks & Trails New York emphasized that continued investment in the revitalization of the state parks system would be an investment in the future that would also serve to stimulate New York's troubled economy today.
Also highlighted was the need to include parks capital projects as part of a federal economic stimulus package. Parks & Trails New York sent a letter to all members of the New York Congressional Delegation urging them to work with the Obama administration to secure funding for park and trail projects. Additionally, we recently had an op-ed on the issue published in the Albany Times Union. And, most recently, Governor Paterson sent a letter to President-elect Obama seeking federal stimulus money for hundreds of projects in New York, including 31 state park infrastructure and seven trail projects.
The press conference generated great coverage:
Building a stronger Parks constituency
Regional meetings bring together park friends organizations
Parks & Trails New York's Campaign for Parks is gaining momentum in building a larger, more vocal constituency in support of State Parks. Campaign Director Tim Sweeney has traveled statewide, attending regional meetings of park Friends organizations to discuss a coordinated approach to advocacy and how we can make the most of our collective strength. The Friends groups have enthusiastically responded by joining our Postcard for Parks campaign in support of continued funding for State Parks capital revitalization and operations.
Parks & Trails New York advocates for more rigorous approach to parkland alienation
The taking of parkland for a non-park use, known as park alienation, requires the permission of the State Legislature. Municipalities often seek alienation legislation to allow development on parkland, ranging from condominiums to sewage systems. As a matter of policy, Parks Trails New York opposes any alienation that will result in a net loss of parkland in the municipality.
Parks & Trails New York is partnering with New Yorkers for Parks, a NYC-based advocacy organization, to protect parkland for the public by advocating for a more rigorous legislative process for park alienation, with better opportunities for public review. Learn more by reading the brochure "Understanding Non-Park Use in Public Parkland."
What Governor Paterson's proposed FY 2009-2010 budget means for parks
Citing the state's continuing financial crisis, a projected budget shortfall of $1.7 billion for the current fiscal year and $13.7 billion for fiscal year 2009-2010, the Governor introduced a scaled down budget for the Office of State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). The proposed funding for next year, approximately $65 million is about half of what was provided in fiscal year 2008-2009.
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the Governor did not include a second installment of $100 million in capital funding for the revitalization of the state parks system.
Read PTNY's testimony here.
Trail Highlights
PTNY Releases new guide to working with railroads to build trails
Trail advocates in New York State who seek to use railroad corridors for trails now have a new resource to assist them in communicating with railroad company officials and engaging them in discussions. The new PTNY publication, Getting on Track: Working with Railroads to Build Trails in New York State, aims to help representatives of trail organizations and local communities understand the organization of railroad companies and their cultures and motivations so that initial contacts between them can be as productive as possible. The 20-page document also reviews the process of railroad corridor abandonment and steps for preserving soon-to-be-abandoned corridors for use as trails. The publication culminates with a checklist of 19 steps in preparing to contact a railroad company.
Three trail projects making progress
Three of the 26 projects receiving technical assistance from Parks & Trails New York through its Healthy Trails, Healthy People program have made significant strides recently.
Little Ausable River Trail construction to begin in spring As part of the final design approval process associated with its Transportation Enhancements funding, the Friends of the Little Ausable River Trail and the Town of Peru (Clinton County) held an open house in November to present trail plans to the public and solicit feedback. With easement agreements from key private landowners negotiated and final plan approval from NYSDOT expected soon, construction will begin this spring on Phase One - a 1.5 -mile trail connecting existing sidewalks to create a loop through the hamlet center.
Chittenango Creek Walk gets necessary permits. The Madison County Village of Chittenango has received the final necessary permits needed to begin construction of Phase One of the Creekwalk Trail. The Village has already begun work on building a creek-side handicap accessible fishing platform located along the 10-foot stone dust trail. Platform construction was made possible in part by donation of labor from Trout Unlimited Chapter 180.
Chenango Canal Connections Corridor trail clearing begins. Significant steps have been taken toward the vision of a more than 20-mile trail along the route of the 19th-century Chenango Canal between the Village of Clinton (Oneida County) and the Village of Hamilton in Madison County (and eventually beyond).
With receipt of a permit from NYSDEC in December, the Village of Hamilton has a green light to construct a 1.5-mile extension from the existing Chenango Canal Towpath Trail to the village. Recently, village DPW crews started clearing the corridor.
Meanwhile, to the north, Kirkland Fitness Trails has identified a trail corridor along the former canal beginning at Route 12B just south of Clinton and running southward to connect with an existing trail in the adjacent Town of Marshall, obtained permission from private landowners, and now is seeking funding for planning and construction.
Erie and Hudson Bike tour registrations open
Registration for Parks & Trails New York's Cycling the Erie Canal Tour and Great Hudson Valley Pedal is now open!
Cycling the Erie Canal is an eight-day, 400-mile bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany along the historic and scenic Erie Canal. The tour begins on July 12 in Buffalo and ends on July 19 in Albany.
The Great Hudson Valley Pedal is a six-day, 200-mile bicycle tour from Albany to New York City through the magnificent and historic Hudson Valley. The tour kicks off from the Sage College in Albany on August 12 and ends August 17 in New York City.
Get set for Canal Clean Sweep 2009
Wintery weather may make spring seem distant, but preparations for the 4th annual Canal Clean Sweep are underway. This year's statewide "spring cleaning" of the NYS Canal System is set for Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19. In recognition of Earth Day and in advance of the 184th consecutive navigation season on the Canal System, the NYS Canal Corporation, in partnership with Parks & Trails New York and the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation, is once again encouraging groups and municipalities to engage in clean up and beautification activities along the Canal System and the Canalway Trail. Groups holding Clean Sweep events also will receive free T-shirts if they register by the deadline of March 2. To learn more, contact Parks & Trails New York or 518-434-1583.
PTNY joins Transportation for America Coalition
Parks & Trails New York has joined the Transportation for America (T4A) campaign as a partner. This initiative is especially important for 2009 as Congress will be working on a new transportation bill, a successor to SAFETEA-LU. The T4A platform for this next transportation bill sets out a new vision for an America where citizens have diverse options for transportation including intercity passenger rail, public transit, walking and bicycling and auto use. T4A's platform links transportation to smart growth, mobility, equity, health, safety, economic security and the environment, and sets a strong call for an accountable, performance-based transportation system. Contact T4A for more information on joining the campaign.
Share your stories...
We want to hear from you... the people who use and enjoy New York's parks and trails and work so hard on their behalf. New Years is a time for celebrations and for resolutions! Have you made one involving a park or trail? Have you set a goal for yourself to get more exercise or spend more time outdoors? We'd like to know!
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Parks & Trails New York is again planning two advocacy days in Albany to talk with key legislators about budget and other priorities related to parks and trails in the state. Please plan to join us and other grassroots activists on the following dates.
Closing the Gaps - PTNY proposes six Canalway Trail projects for federal infrastructure funding
Parks & Trails New York is proposing six ready-to-go Canalway Trail projects for inclusion in the economic stimulus package that Congress will consider in January. The projects had been deferred or delayed due to budget shortfalls at the New York State Thruway Authority/New York State Canal Corporation. Located in seven counties and representing an infusion to the economy of more than $22 million, the projects will bring the Erie Canalway Trail within 64 miles of completion. In letters to New York's Congressional delegation and NYSDOT Commissioner Astrid Glynn, PTNY also asked that these Canalway Trail projects be included in the federal stimulus bill.
In the coming months, Parks & Trails New York will be working with partners and stakeholders throughout the corridor to "close the gaps" and ensure the remaining Canalway Trail segments are finished, available for public use, and ready to generate valuable health, tourism, and quality of life benefits.
Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) in trouble - proposed Executive Budget reduces fund by 20%, slashes municipal park grant program and relies on uncertain funding
The proposed Executive Budget reduces the EPF to $205 million, a cut of $50 million, and a far cry from the $300 million that was statutorily established for fiscal year 2009-2010. The proposed EPF reduces funding for municipal parks projects from $21.2 million to $8.4 million, and reduces funding for parks in inner city and underserved communities from $6 million to $2 million. By shifting the financial burden from the state to the municipalities, the proposed changes could be devastating to municipal parks and community trail projects.
In addition to drastic cuts in the EPF, the proposed budget decreases the amount of Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT) revenue dedicated to the EPF, opting instead to use the proceeds from the unclaimed beverage container deposits that would return to the state as part of an expanded bottle bill, if the expansion is enacted. While Parks & Trails New York wholeheartedly supports the Bigger Better Bottle Bill, we believe the proceeds from any unclaimed container deposits should be used to supplement, not supplant, the RETT as the primary source of funding for the EPF.
Contact your Senator and Assembly member and let them know you oppose EPF cuts and support continued funding of the EPF with dedicated Real Estate Transfer Tax revenue.
Capacity Fund grants available for NYC park advocates
Partnerships for Parks' Capacity Fund will provide grants from $250 to $5,000 to community organizations working in parks across the five boroughs of New York City for projects that help build a group's capacity to care for their local park, put on programs and events, or expand collaborations with other neighborhood groups. Applications must be received by February 2, 2009. For more information, contact Kate Louis, (212) 227-3626.
2009 Preserve New York Grants
Guidelines are now available from the Preservation League of New York State and the New York State Council on the Arts for the 2009 Preserve New York (PNY) Grant Program. Grants are available to municipalities and not-for-profit organizations undertaking historic structure reports, historic landscape reports, and cultural resource surveys. Applicants must discuss their project with League Technical and Grants staff before receiving an application. For more information contact the Preservation League of NYS.
2009 Draft Open Space Plan available
The New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Department of Environmental Conservation have announced that the Draft 2009 Open Space Plan has been released and is available for review and comment. The plan is available on the DEC website as are the dates and locations for the January public workshops and hearings. Public comments will be accepted until February 27, 2009.
