Parks & Trails New York PRESS RELEASES
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
MORE THAN 600,000 VISITORS TO NIAWANDA, DATA SHOWS - There were an estimated 605,000 visits to the Canalway Trail at Niawanda Park in
Tonawanda in 2011, according to the annual trail count conducted by the New York State
Canal Corporation and Parks & Trails New York. READ MORE.
FRIENDS OF THE CHEMUNG RIVER WATERSHED AWARDED $2,000 GRANT - Parks and Trails New York has awarded a $2,000 grant to the Friends of the Chemung River Watershed, a group dedicated to encouraging the public to better use, respect and enjoyment of the rivers. READ MORE.
LAND TRUST PANEL GETS GRANT TO DESIGN RAIL TRAIL BROCHURE - The Kingston Land Trust Rail
Trail Committee was one of 11 applicants
from 40 submissions to receive a capacity
building grant from Parks & Trails NY to
create a brochure that will serve as a
recruitment tool to gain public involvement
for the proposed Kingston Point Rail Trail
project. READ MORE.
TRAIL IN GREECE GETS HEAVY USE - More than 100,000 walkers, bikers and joggers visited a stretch of the Erie Canalway Trail at Henpeck Park in Greece in 2011, according to a report released Thursday by New York State Canal Corp. and Parks & Trails New York. READ MORE.
HOPING FOR COMPLETION OF ERIE CANALWAY - With the approach of the new year, an organization pushing for completion of the Erie Canalway Trail is hoping for more progress this year on completion of the 366-mile trail along the old Erie Canal and the overall 524 miles of a network of trails along the state's canal system. READ MORE.
INVESTMENT IN PARKS IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS - To the Editor: Included in this week’s flurry of economic initiatives from the Cuomo administration was some good news for New York’s state park system. The $1 billion Infrastructure Investment Act, to address the state’s aging infrastructure, includes park rehabilitation. While the details are yet to come, Parks & Trails New York applauds the administration and legislative leaders for recognizing the strong connection between economic vitality and outdoor recreational opportunities. READ MORE.
TOWN TO GET GRANT FOR ERIE CANAL TRAILS - The town of Montezuma will be getting some professional help with a network of trails it hopes to build to connect the community to the Seneca River and historic Erie Canal sites. The help will come in the form of a non-monetary grant that was announced Monday. The “technical assistance grant” is from Parks & Trails New York, an organization that helps municipalities in the state create networks of trails and green space, said Martin Daley, project director at Parks & Trails New York. The grant will give the town guidance for about a year to accomplish as much of the Montezuma Heritage Park Erie Canal Towpath Trail as possible. READ MORE.
BICYCLISTS BRING BUSINESS! TREE ROUNDTABLE WILL DISCUSS HOW TO ATTRACT AND PROFIT FROM THE GROWING TRAIL TOURIST MARKET - The New York State Canal Corporation is partnering with Parks & Trails New York to present a free roundtable on taking advantage of the growing bicycle tourist market. The event is scheduled for Thursday, October 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Knights Inn, 20 Albany Street, Little Falls, NY. READ MORE.PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK OFFERS GRANTS FOR PARK AND TRAIL GROUPS - Parks & Trails New York is launching the next round of its Capacity Building Grants for park and trail groups in New York State. The grants, of up to $3,000, will strengthen not-for-profit organizations that are working to build and protect parks and trails in communities across the state. READ MORE.
NY STATE-OWNED REVOLUTIONARY WAR BATTLEFIELD PARK BEING EYES AS POSSIBLE NATIONAL PARK - When the force of 1,200 British redcoats, loyalists and American Indians finally made a stand against the 5,000-strong Continental Army pushing its way into Iroquois country in the summer of 1779, the two sides fought a running battle along the Chemung River Valley near present-day Elmira. Today, a state park occupies the hill where much of the fighting occurred on Aug. 29, 1779. But Newtown Battlefield State Park only covers some 300 acres of the rolling, wooded landscape where the two forces fought, and there's a proposal in Congress to look into whether neighboring land needs to be protected for its historical significance and possibly wrapped into a new national park. READ MORE.
ITHACA CONFERENCE TO PUSH TRAILS AS ATTRACTIONS, AMENITIES -
2-DAY EVENT TO FEATURE SPEAKERS, FIELD VISITS - The trail registry book at Lick Brook recently had entries made by groups from Hamilton, Ontario, Canastota, Britain and Israel. The combination, it occurred to Finger Lakes Land Trust Executive Director Andy Zepp, shows the appeal and potential of trails in the region. Zepp will talk more about trails' attraction and potential at the Finger Lakes Trails and Greenways Conference Sept. 23 and 24 at Cornell University. READ MORE.
GREAT HUDSON VALLEY PEDAL TO SPEND 2 NIGHTS IN HYDE PARKS, TOUR REGION - A group of 150 bicyclists and 25 volunteers from 23 states will be riding through the area today through Thursday as part of the Great Hudson Valley Pedal, which begins in Albany today and finishes almost 200 miles away in New York City on Sunday. "In the Hudson Valley there are so many interesting sites and interesting cultural centers," said Robin Dropkin, executive director of Parks and Trails New York, the nonprofit group that organizes the annual tour. READ MORE.
GCASA COUNSELOR COMPLETES 400-MILE BICYCLE TRIP — Jim Morasco can now check another item off of his bucket list.
The GCASA counselor and associate pastor just completed an eight-day bicycle trip along the
Erie Canal. He logged 400 miles.“The first 60 miles was tough. I didn’t know what to expect. There were more hills than I thought
there’d be,” he said Thursday. READ MORE.
BIKE TOUR KICKS OFF - More than 500 cyclists are participating in the 13th annual “Cycling the Erie
Canal,” event a 400-mile bicycling tour that kicked of Sunday and continues through July 17.
The eight-day recreational bicycling tour from Buffalo to Albany highlights the beauty,
histoRy, culture and recreational appeal of the canal system and the Canalway Trail as a
prime tourism destination in New York state. READ MORE.
Cycling the Erie Canal tour visits Rotary Park – Bicyclists from around the country and beyond traveled at their leisure throughout the Mohawk Valley on Thursday and Friday as part of their continuing tour of the Erie Canal.
Being able to go at her own pace is what Joan Blaustein said she enjoys about the Cycling the Erie Canal tour. READ MORE.
BICYCLISTS TRAVELING ERIE CANAL ARRIVE IN VALLEY ON JUNE 14 - Some 500 bicyclists from 35 states and three foreign countries will arrive in the Mohawk Valley on July 14 as participants in the 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour.
The 400-mile bicycle tour started in Buffalo on July 10 and will end in Albany on July 17.
The Mohawk Valley schedule includes an overnight stay on July 14 at Fort Stanwix National Monument in Rome. On Friday, July 115, bicyclists will ride from Rome to Canajoharie, where they will stay overnight at Canajoharie High School. Friday’s schedule also includes a morning rest stop from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Schuyler Town Hall and an afternoon rest stop from 12 to 5 p.m. at Rotary Park in Little Falls. READ MORE.
CYCLING THE ERIE CANAL PARTICIPANTS TO STOP IN LITTLE FALLS – More than 500 cyclists from 35 states are expected to participate in the 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal, a 400-mile bicycling tour scheduled for July 10 through July 17.
The eight-day recreational tour from Buffalo to Albany will highlight the beauty, history, culture and recreational appeal of the canal system and the Canalway Trail as a tourism destination.
ALL ALONG THE ERIE – About 500 people traversing upstate New York on bikes will pass through Cayuga County this week as part of a 400-mile trek. The 13th Cycling the Erie Canal tour kicked off on Sunday in Buffalo and will wrap up on July 17 in Albany. The group of bicyclers participating in the ride will be in Seneca Falls today and will rest in Port Byron Wednesday morning. The tour then rolls through Syracuse and on to Rome, Schenectady and through the Mohawk Valley. READ MORE.
CYCLING THE ERIE CANAL TOUR HEADING TO MADISON COUNTY ROME - More than 500 bicyclists will roll through Madison County as part of their eight-day tour of the Erie Canal.
The group departed from Buffalo on Sunday for the 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour, organized by Parks and Trails New York, a statewide non-profit advocacy organization.
Between 8 a.m. and noon, the bicyclists are scheduled to travel from Syracuse to make morning rest stops at the Chittenango Landing Boat Museum and the Canastota Canal Town Museum. READ MORE.
CYCLISTS PASS THROUGH MADISON, ONEIDA COUTNIES ON CYCLING THE ERIE CANAL TOUR - (Video) Riders in the 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour were making the journey for history, family and fitness as they passed through Madison County on Friday. READ MORE.
ROME WELCOMES BICYCLE BOOM – (Video) After pedaling 250 miles, New Hartford resident Tim Nelson is finally back on his home turf, but says he's nowhere near sick of cycling."Everybody's just passionate about bicycling and being out. The trail is just beautiful here in Upstate New York," said Nelson.Nelson was the first of more than 500 bicyclists to make their way to Rome as part of the 13th Annual Cycling the Erie Canal Bike Tour. Riders make their way from Buffalo to Albany by following the historic canal, pausing to learn about its origins along the way. READ MORE.
HUNDREDS PEDAL INTO ALBANY TO COMPLETE STATEWIDE BIKE TOUR – (Video) "It was kind of my mom's idea for a family vacation," said Shea Weilbaker from Saratoga Springs. Ten-year-old Weilbaker is one of about 500 cyclists who just completed the 13th Annual "Cycling the Erie Canal" Bike Tour. It wasn't Disney World, but he says he's enjoyed the last eight days."The experience of biking 400 miles - it's awesome," said Weilbaker. READ MORE.
HUNDREDS OF CYCLISTS PASS THROUGH MOHAWK VALLEY AS THEY BIKE FROM BUFFALO TO ALBANY – Friday turned out to be a beautiful day for a bike ride, which was good news for the hundreds of cyclists who were passing through the area en route to Albany.
Hundreds of bikers enjoyed the summer scenery of the Mohawk Valley as they took part in what is known as the annual Cycling the Erie Canal Bike Tour. READ MORE.
CYCING TOUR STOPS IN PALMYRA – More than 500 cycling enthusiasts stopped at the Palmyra Village Park today for a rest and refreshments provided by the local Kiawanis Club. The 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal Bike Tour started July 10 and runs through July 17. READ MORE.
ERIE CANAL BIKE TOUR HIGHLIGHTS REGION FOR NEW VISITORS – Monday was a hot day. But after biking dozens of miles from Medina, it felt even hotter for Keith Pinder. "I've gone through maybe eight bottles of water today," said Pinder. Pinder, a Toronto man, was one of more than 500 cyclists who stopped in Pittsford on the "Cycling the Erie Canal" bike tour, which is making it's way down the historic waterway to Albany by the weekend. And while some participants are state residents taking the eight-day, 400-mile tour, around 60 percent are from out-of-state, or even out of the country, like Pinder. READ MORE.
ERIE CANAL BIKE TOUR STOPPING IN PITTSFORD – Hundreds of cyclists are making their way down the Erie Canal this week, and they'll be stopping in the village of Pittsford today. The "Cycling the Erie Canal" tour is on its thirteenth annual run, with more than 500 participants signed up for the 400-mile trek. The cyclists will be stopping in Pittsford around 2 p.m. at the Schoen Place waterfront, then spend the night at Nazareth College. Tomorrow, they'll head to the village of Palmyra. READ MORE.
BIKE TOUR SHOWCASES STATE'S HERITAGE - More than 500 bicyclists from 36 states and three foreign countries are riding across the state along the Erie Canal this week, as part of a 13th annual bike trip designed to draw attention to upstate New York and its heritage. The riders — ranging in age from 6 to 89, but averaging 50 —set out early Sunday morning from Buffalo’s Nichols School on the 400-mile Cycling the Erie Canal tour. READ MORE.
13TH ANNUAL CYCLING THE ERIE CANAL BICYCLE TOUR TO PASS THROUGH ROCHESTER – More than 500 bicyclists will be passing through Rochester today during the 13th Annual Cycling the Canal bicycle tour. Today is the second leg of the eight-day, 400-mile recreational ride along the historic and scenic Erie This leg of the ride starts in Medina and ends with an overnight stay at Nazareth College. Along the way, participants from 38 states. #END
"CYCLING THE ERIE CANAL" TOUR ARRIVES IN ROCHESTER - They started out in Buffalo on Sunday, July 10, leaving their cars behind. Some 500 bicyclists from 35 states will be arriving in Rochester on Monday, July 11 as participants in the 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour, organized by Parks & Trails New York, a statewide not-for-profit organization. The 400-mile bicycle tour ends on Sunday, July 17 in Albany. READ MORE.
ANNUAL ERIE CANAL BIKE TRIP SET TO START – More than 500 cyclists are ready to ride the old Erie Canal. The 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal Tour, a 400-mile jaunt across the state, begins on Sunday in Buffalo and ends eight days later in Albany. It highlights the beauty, history, culture and recreational appeal of the canal system and the Canalway Trail. Cyclists from 36 states and other countries are expected to take part. Roughly two-thirds of the tour takes place on the completed portion of the Canalway Trail. When complete, the Canalway Trail System will span more than 500 miles and connect numerous cities, towns and villages along the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego and Champlain canals, making it one of the longest multi-use recreational trails in the country. #END
500 CYCLISTS TAKE WEEK-LONG VACATION ALONG ERIE – They start out in Buffalo on Sunday, July 10, leaving their cars behind. Some 500 bicyclists from 35 states are participating in the 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour, organized by Parks & Trails New York, a statewide not-for-profit organization. The 400-mile bicycle tour ends on Sunday, July 17 in Albany. About three-quarters of the journey is on the off-road Erie Canalway Trail. When the Trail is finished, it will be the longest statewide trail in the United States. “The 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour is an inexpensive and healthy way to explore the Erie Canal and upstate New York. Plus it’s fun. I call it a rolling summer camps for all ages,” says Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin. “We have cyclists from over 35 states plus several hundred volunteers in communities along the route ready to welcome riders and help them discover what makes the Erie Canal and upstate New York unique.” #END
'CYCLING THE ERIE CANAL TOUR' BIKE TRIP: JULY 10-17 –
More than 500 cyclists are ready to ride the old Erie Canal.
The 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal Tour, a 400-mile jaunt across the state, begins on Sunday in Buffalo and ends eight days later in Albany. It highlights the beauty, history, culture and recreational appeal of the canal system and the Canalway Trail. Cyclists from 36 states and other countries are expected to take part. READ MORE.
MORE THAN 500 BIKE RIDERS STOP IN CENTRAL NEW YORK AS THE FOLLOW ERIE CANAL - About 550 bicyclists rested at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park in Syracuse Wednesday night, marking the mid point of a week-long, 400-mile ride following the Erie Canal.
The bicyclists, who travel mostly off-road along the canal, left Buffalo Sunday and expect to arrive in Albany this coming Sunday. The riders range in age from 6 to 89. READ MORE.
ERIE CANAL BICYCLISTS - Slideshow
BICYCLISTS STOP IN ROME DURING TOUR OF ERIE CANAL – For Cliff Weatherell, leaning back and riding recumbent is the only way to ride. On Thursday afternoon, the Rochester resident was among 515 bicyclists who stopped at Fort Stanwix as the fifth stop of the Cycling the Erie Canal Bike Tour. The group was traveling from Buffalo to Albany during an eight-day tour of the canal. READ MORE.
ROME HOSTS BICYCLISTS ON 'ERIE CANAL TOUR' - On Thursday afternoon, riders participating in the 2011 “Cycling the Erie Canal Bike Tour” arrived at Fort Stanwix to rest, relax and enjoy the city’s hospitality.
With over 500 bicyclists in all, the lawn of Fort Stanwix was one of the only locations that could provide both enough room and a prime spot for visiting bikers to test the local fare and entertainment. READ MORE.
FRACKTURED PARKS - National Recreation and Parks Association magazine article, “Fracktured Parks” looks at hydrofracking in parks. PTNY’s quote in the article makes clear our position: No drilling or resource extraction in any park! READ MORE.
TRAIL WOULD BOOST HEALTH AND WEALTH -
With the growing popularity of bicycling, and the lure of being the only long-distance, multi-use trail within the Adirondack Park, the proposed thirty-four-mile Lake Placid-to-Tupper Lake trail along the Adirondack rail line would be a major draw.
Bicycling is now the second-most common form of outdoor recreation in the United States, with sixty million Americans enjoying the activity. More Americans bicycle than golf, ski, and play tennis combined. Twenty-seven million Americans have taken a bicycling vacation in the past five years. READ MORE.
FOR NEW YORK, CYCLING COULD BE A RICH NICHE MARKET -
In his new job as director of the state Canal Corporation, Brian Stratton isn’t only
concerned with boats and locks, but also bicycles (there’s an almost continuous path that
runs for nearly 400 miles, the entire length of the Erie Canal) and economic development.
Like boats and locks, those last two shouldn’t be seen as separate: Bike tourism can have
a significant impact on the economy. If he can come up with the money, Stratton, himself
a cyclist, would like to find out just how significant by commissioning the nonprofit
group Parks & Trails NY to do an economic impact study for bicycling.
DESPITE COLD, RAIN AND WIND...SWEEP SHINE - Clean Sweep, other beautification events go on - A little rain never hurt anyone. That was the mantra for most groups that participated Saturday in cleanup days throughout the Twin Cities and in Kenmore. Despite rain and wind in the forecast, those who were on hand not only had fun, but felt good about beautifying their hometowns. READ MORE.
FREEDOM TRAILS - MULTI-USE TRAILS OFFER EVERYONE A CHANCE TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS - From spring through fall, a typical sunny Saturday afternoon will find the parking lot packed at Lions Park on River Road in Niskayuna. A ribbon of smooth asphalt leads in both directions, beckoning runners and walkers, stroller-pushing parents, cyclists, inline skaters, even painters with easels. The bike path here is more than just a trail: It's a linear park, an oasis of pretty green along the Mohawk River.
READ MORE.
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR 'CANAL CLEAN SWEEP' -
Volunteer groups and individuals are invited to join the New York State Canal Corporation staff for the annual "Canal Clean Sweep," scheduled for the weekend of April 15-17.
The events along the 524-mile-long Canal system help celebrate Earth Day and to prepare the canals for the regular navigation season that is scheduled to begin on May 1. READ MORE.
ALBANY HERITAGE AREA VISITORS CENTER PARTICIPATES IN 'CANAL CLEAN SWEEP' - The Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center will be participating in the Sixth Annual Canal Clean Sweep April 15 through 17. As part of this multi-community celebration, the Albany Visitors Center will be partnering with the Scouts of Northeastern New York on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., beginning at the Visitors Center and ending with a sweep of the Corning Preserve. READ MORE.
CANAL SWEEP IS BACK IN TIME FOR D MORE.A NEW SPRING -
They've found tires, car doors, unopened cans of
paint, bicycles -- even a refrigerator.
Hundreds of volunteers at dozens of sites over
several years have pulled on gloves and hauled
buckets of waste from nature trails and walks
along the extensive state canal system.
It's time to start again, and volunteers could use some help. READ MORE.
TRAIL USE MIGHT BE MORE THAN EXPECTED - To the editor: Parks & Trails New York, a statewide nonprofit organization, congratulates AdkAction for commissioning the recently released economic impact study comparing the cost and economic impacts of a tourist train and a 34-mile, multi-use trail between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake. We are pleased that the study estimates $1.2 million in annual net new spending associated with the trail. However, we believe that there are several factors not considered in the study that will generate even more spending and benefits from the trail than the study predicts. READ MORE.
SCHOHARIE CROSSING ANNOUNCES PARTICIPATION IN 6TH ANNUAL CANAL CLEAN SWEEP - In recognition of Earth Day 2011 and in preparation for the upcoming 187th consecutive navigation season on the New York State Canal System, the New York State Canal Corporation is partnering with Parks & Trails New York, and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) to sponsor the Sixth Annual Canal Clean Sweep during the weekend of April 15-17. READ MORE
WALKERS, BIKERS FOCUS OF EVENT - The Orange County Citizens Foundation's third annual placemaking conference will examine how expanding opportunities for pedestrians and bicycles can turn a good community into a great one. Speakers and panels at the conference, set for March 11 at Mount Saint Mary College, will present a complete analysis of the concept known as nonmotorized transportation, including economic impact, technical challenges, funding sources and health benefits. READ MORE
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 200-MILE GREAT HUDSON VALLEY PEDAL: 6-DAY AUGUST TOUR FROM ALBANY TO NYC - The seventh annual Great Hudson Valley Pedal — a six-day, 200-mile recreational bicycle tour from Albany to New York City — is scheduled for Aug. 16 to 21. The Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Olana State Historic Site and West Point are just a few of the many interesting stops along the way. The tour includes five panoramic bridge crossings, including the Walkway Over the Hudson, rides along designated bike routes, scenic roads, and off-road trails, such as the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway along the west side of Manhattan. READ MORE
CLC, GREENWAY TO SPONSOR COUNTY'S FIRST TRAILS CONFERENCE - Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC), in partnership with the Hudson River Valley Greenway, will sponsor the county’s first trail conference, Columbia County Trails, on Saturday, April 2.
The conference will be held at Columbia-Greene Community College’s Professional Academic Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration forms are available on the CLC website, www.clctrust.org/trails2011, or by calling 518-392-5252. Registration cards are also available in town halls throughout the county as well as at Steiner’s Sports stores in Hudson and Valatie. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. READ MORE
WALKERS, BIKERS FOCUS OF EVENT - The Orange County Citizens Foundation's third annual placemaking conference will
examine how expanding opportunities for pedestrians and bicycles can turn a good community into a
great one.
Speakers and panels at the conference, set for March 11 at Mount Saint Mary College, will present a
complete analysis of the concept known as nonmotorized transportation, including economic impact,
technical challenges, funding sources and health benefits. READ MORE
SIGNUPS START FOR 400-MILE CYCLING THE ERIE TRAIL DUE IN ROME JULY 14 - Registration has begun for the July 10-17 "lucky 13th annual," eight-day, 400-mile, Cycling the Erie Canal bike tour across New York along the scenic and historic Erie Canal, named a National Heritage Corridor. That’s the trip where some 500 bicyclists camp out at Fort Stanwix on Thursday, July 14. READ MORE
SOUTHERN TIER PARK RECEIVES GRANT - Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum was one of eight not-for-profit parks in New York State to receive grant money to help grow the park. The Elmira park received $2,000 from advocacy group Parks&Trails New York. READ MORE.
7 TRAILS FOR WINTER HIKING IN AND AROUND CENTRAL NEW YORK -
Need some reinvigoration to get through
winter? The Parks & Trails New York
organization offers these seven multi-use
flat trails...READ MORE.
STATE LOOKS TO AVOID PARK CLOSURES - State parks will stay open, for now. Acting state Parks Commissioner Andy Beers testified Tuesday at a budget hearing that no park closures are planned this year, despite orders from Gov. Andrew Cuomo to cut spending by 10 percent at state agencies. READ MORE.
OFFICIALS SEARCH FOR FUNDING TO KEEP HERKIMER HOME OPEN - Operators of the Herkimer Home historical site again are fighting Albany for the roughly $320,000 needed to keep the site open this year. About 40 people, including state officials and those from area municipalities and chambers of commerce, met Wednesday to
brainstorm how to keep the site operating.“ The Gen. Herkimer site is very, very important to this country, to the state and to the Mohawk Valley,” Sen. Sen. James Seward, R-Milford, said. “It’s a real gem in terms of its history, and it would be a shame to lose such a site.” READ MORE.
STATE PARKS SEE RISE IN ATTENDANCE, BUT LOSE BUDGET MONEY - Hard hit over the last several budget cycles, New York's state parks and historical sites are facing another austere year, even as the number of visitors coming to the venues grows. Gov. Andrew Cuomo's 2011-12 budget proposal, released Tuesday, calls for a more than 8 percent cut in spending at the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The department's budget would fall from $228 million to $209 million under the proposal. Supporters say the parks have absorbed severe cuts each of the last two years and further reductions could compromise infrastructure and deter visitors. READ MORE.
OFFICIALS: BUDGET PLAN A GOOD FIRST STEP, BUT WATCH CUTS - Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed budget is a good first step, as far as some area legislators are concerned.
But the reductions are also a major worry for schools, state agencies and others affected by the cutbacks. Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, said the cuts need to be made carefully.“Governor Cuomo has repeatedly warned that this year’s budget would be painful, and today’s presentation confirmed exactly that,” he said. “Spending cuts are desperately needed to right New York’s fiscal course, but these cuts must be made with caution and consideration for the needs of our state. READ MORE.
TRAILS FOR 'WINTER WONDER' CAN BE FOUND NEARBY - Parks & Trails New York, a parks and trail advocacy program, recently announced its "Seven Trails for Winter Wonder," and several of them are just a short drive away. The selected trails will reinvigorate the body and stimulate the senses of winter enthusiasts, the organization said in a news release.Scenic overviews, icy lakes, and frozen waterfalls are just a few landmarks which line the Trails for Winter Wonder. READ MORE.
TRAIL USER COUNT FOR CANALWAY IN SYRACUSE AREA - The New York State Canal Corporation and Parks & Trails New York today announced the availability of "Who's on the Trail? The Erie Canalway Trail User Count 2011," the fourth annual report about how people use the Old Erie Canal section of the Canalway in Onondaga and Cayuga counties.
Volunteers at several locations along the Canalway counted an estimated 237,000 people in the past year. READ MORE.
FJ&G RAIL TRAIL NAMED 'WINTER WONDER'' - Parks and Trails New York has named the Fonda, Johnstown, and Gloversville Rail Trail as one of it's"Seven Trails for Winter Wonder."
The organization made the list of trails they say are ideal for winter exercising and activities. READ MORE.
PARKS & TRAILS OFFICAL SAYS HERKIMER HOME IS SLATED FOR CLOSURE - The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced last week that attendance at state parks and historic sites was up one million over the previous year while, at the same time, parks and historic sites have been closing and cutting back services and open hours. READ MORE.
BUTLER, SEWARD HOLD STRATEGY SESSION TO FIGHT OFF CLOSURE OF HERKIMER HOME - State Senator James Seward and Assemblyman Marc Butler are working to save Herkimer Home from the state budget chopping block.“With state park use on a steady rise due to the economic crunch, it makes no sense to shutter Herkimer Home,” said Seward, R,C,I - Oneonta. “The cost to operate the site is low, but the return is high — local businesses receive an economic bump and the educational value to visitors is priceless.” READ MORE.
DESPITE JUMP IN VISITATION, NEW YORK SHSs STILL ON CHOPPING BLOCK - The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced last week that attendance at state parks and historic sites was up one million over the previous year while, at the same time, parks and historic sites have been closing and cutting back services and open hours. READ MORE.
PARKS & TRAILS OFFICIAL SAYS HERKIMER HOME IS SLATED FOR CLOSURE - The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced last week that attendance at state parks and historic sites was up one million over the previous year while, at the same time, parks and historic sites have been closing and cutting back services and open hours. The steady decline in the state parks budget (18 percent over the last three years), mandated layoffs and early retirements mean sites like Herkimer Home near Little Falls — closed through at least April 1 due to state budget concerns — are again on the chopping block. And across the system, shortened days, hours and seasons of operation have become the norm. READ MORE.
NEW WALKING TRAIL TAKING SHAPE IN CAYUGA - The Village of Cayuga is currently taking steps to define a new walking trail that officials say will help residents recognize and better appreciate the area’s natural beauty. According to village planning board member Carl Cuipylo, who is working to coordinate the plan, the 2.5-mile trail will run from the water tower on the village’s east side, through McIntosh Park and the grounds of...READ MORE.
TWO LI OUTDOORS GROUPS NAB GRANTS - Two local environmental-outdoors groups, Friends of Edgewood-Oak Brush Plains Preserve and
Concerned Long Island Mountain Bicyclists, have received grants from Parks & Trails New York, a
statewide parks advocacy group. READ MORE.
VILLAGE OF CAYUGA TO GET TRAIL GRANT ASSISTANCE- The Village of Cayuga has been selected to receive assistance from Parks & Trails New York through its Healthy Trails, Healthy People program. The program is aimed at increasing the number of physically active New Yorkers by helping communities create new or increase the usage of existing multi-use trails. Selected communities receive help with technical issues, planning, public outreach, grant writing, fund raising, programming, organizational development and other activities critical to the long-term success of trail projects. Parks & Trails New York will work with the community to create the Village of Cayuga...READ MORE.
COPENHAGEN TRAIL WILL BECOME AN ALBATROSS - Concerning the recent article with the proposed walking trail in the village of Copenhagen, I, along with some concerned village taxpayers, are pondering the necessity of this frivolous project. The proposed trail tends to indicate a want, rather than a need, project and in time could be an albatross around the neck of the village taxpayer. READ MORE.
PARKS DECAY DUE TO BUDGET WOES - At state parks across the nation, this is the toll of the deepening budget crisis and years of financial neglect: crumbling roads, faltering roofs, deteriorating restrooms. Electrical and sewer systems are beginning to give out, too, as are scores of park buildings, some of them built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. In a few places, aging bridges have been detoured and tunnels blocked off because of falling debris.
READ MORE.
PARKS & TRAILS WILL HELP COPENHAGEN PATH PROJECT - A nonprofit group dedicated to park and trail development will assist with planning for a walking trail here."They have worked with many, many communities," Judy K. Bartlett, a member of the Copenhagen Community Day Committee, said of Parks & Trails New York. "They know the ins and outs of getting these things started. It's a wonderful opportunity." READ MORE.
KINGSTON TIMES KINGSTON LAND TRUST CONTEMPLATES RAIL TRAILS THROUGH MIDTOWN -Say what you will about Midtown, but it’s got character. And with any luck, it might just have even more thanks to Parks & Trails New York selecting Kingston Land Trust to receive some assistance through its Healthy Trails, Healthy People program. The program is intended to increase the number of physically active New Yorkers by helping communities either create new or increase traffic on existing multi-use trails. READ MORE.
STATE OFFICIALS WEIGH IN ON PLAN TO CLOSE KNOX FARM - In the past week, several New York State officials have weighed in on plans to close Knox Farm State Park at the end of the year. State Senator Dale M. Volker and State Assemblywoman Jane Corwin, Republicans whose districts include the Town of Aurora, vowed that they would fight the planned closure. “Even at a time of unprecedented economic hardship, we cannot afford to ignore this unique facility that is home to community soccer clubs, equestrian events, hiking, cross country skiing, and nature walks,” Volker said in a news release on Nov. 23. “This 633-acre state facility is simply an incredible state asset that needs to remain open. READ MORE.
ADVOCATES CALL FOR MORE NY PARKS FUNDING - Advocacy groups are calling for a new source of revenue to revitalize New York's parks and historic sites, suggesting state leaders consider a surcharge on vehicle registrations, a deposit on plastic grocery bags or other measures used by other states. A report by the Alliance for New York State Parks and Parks & Trails New York says budget cuts have left the parks system understaffed and in need of repairs. READ MORE.
CANALWAY TRAIL CLOSER TO COMPLETION - The Erie Canalway Trail, a bicycle and hiking trail from Buffalo to Albany that cuts through the
heart of the Mohawk Valley, is about 75 percent complete, and progress is being made to develop one of the few
remaining gaps, in Montgomery County.
Canalway Trails Association New York, a statewide group that helps towns manage the canalway, and Parks &
Trails New York, a nonprofit group that helps protect land and develop park space statewide, said in a recent
report just six stretches remain undeveloped along the 360-mile path, including seven miles between Amsterdam
and Rotterdam Junction. READ MORE.
KINGSTON RECEIVES ASSISTANCE GRANT FOR STUDYING RAIL TRAIL DEVELOPMENT - The Kingston Land Trust received an assistant grant Friday from Parks & Trails New York to study connecting existing rail trails outside the city to the Midtown area. “When I got the call, I almost went through the ceiling,” said Rebecca Martin, executive director for the trust. Parks & Trails officials will meet with the Land Trust on Dec. 9 to begin examining how to best convert the four railbeds that meet at Thomas Street in Midtown into usable trail space. Parks & Trails will also assist with grant writing and fundraising efforts once a feasibility study is complete. READ MORE.
FINISH THE ERIE CANALWAY - The Erie Canalway Trail follows roughly the same route as the high-speed rails corridor the state wants to create between Buffalo and Albany. And it could provide the same kind of benefits, including boosting upstate's sorry economy by bringing multi-day bicycle tourists, recreational users and other visitors to it and through it. READ MORE.
CLOSING CANAL TRAIL GAPS TARGETED BY PROMOTERS - ROTTERDAM JUNCTION-AMSTERDAM LINK IS A PRIORITY - An estimated $50 million is needed to close six gaps along the Erie Canalway Trail, including seven miles between Amsterdam and Rotterdam Junction, according to advocacy groups in an end-of-year progress report.
READ MORE.
CUTS TO PARKS COST US ALL IN THE LONG RUN; STATE'S SMALL ANNUAL INVESTMENT IS WORTH THE REVENUE AND ENJOYMENTS LI'ERS REAP (BY ROBIN DROPKIN - Robin Dropkin is executive director of Parks & Trails New York, a
nonprofit advocate for the state's parks.) -
If you love Jones Beach, Heckscher, Hempstead Lake, Connetquot River, or any of the 209 other state
parks and historic sites from Nassau and Suffolk up to Niagara Falls, the alarm has been sounded. Gov.
David A. Paterson recently proposed to lay off 90 additional staff at the New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation. READ MORE.
NFTA MUST RESOLVE LAND ISSUES AND ISSUES BLOCKING PROGRESS - We are thrilled to learn that the Town and City of Tonawanda and Erie County parks officials have stepped up their efforts to create a six-mile multiuse trail from North Buffalo to within sight of the Canalway Trail in Tonawanda.
WKTV- Utica NEW REPORT CITES NEED TO CLOSE GAPS IN CANALWAY TRAIL TO BENEFIT UPSTATE ECONOMY - As the bicycling season winds down, the Canalway Trails Association New York (CTANY) says that progress has been made this year toward completing the 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany, but that more effort is needed to fill critical gaps in the trail before it can reachits full potential as a major tourism destination and local community resource. READ MORE.
JONES BEACH CASINO FAR FROM A SURE BET - Park advocates say the casino idea would never take off, citing the outcry over LIPA's proposed wind farm, which died, in part, because it would have been visible from the park. They also say that after the closed parks were reopened by shifting state funding before Memorial Day, any support for a casino probably evaporated. READ MORE.
PROGRESS BEING MADE ON 360-MILE CANALWAY TRAIL - Progress is being made on a 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany - though a group says more needs to be done. The Canalway Trails Association New York says the trail is now about 75% complete as an off-road path. But it says there are still six critical gaps in the trail that need to be finished before the trail can reach its full potential. READ MORE.
CUTS TO NY PARKS HURT ECONOMY -
The firing of Department of Environmental
Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis because
of a memo outlining the dire consequences of further cuts to the agency, which has suffered a 23
percent reduction of its work force since fiscal year
2007-2008, is deeply unfortunate.
MADISON COUNTY COURIER - VILLAGE DEDICATES PHASE I OF TRAIL SYSTEM - The Chittenango Creek Walk and Neighborhood Trail Committee and the village of Chittenango held a dedication and ribboncutting ceremony Friday to celebrate the completion of Phase I of the trail project in the village of Chittenango. Pictured from left are Co-Chairman Bill Nickal, Martin Daley of Parks & Trails New York, Mayor Ronny Goeler and Co-Chairwoman Donna Lynch. Phase I of a village trail project designed to connect several neighborhoods in the village of Chittenango with village schools and parks has been completed. Read more.
NOVEMBER 2011
THREE TRAIL PROJECTS TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE FROM PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK - Three New York trail projects have been selected to receive assistance from Parks & Trails New York as part of its Healthy Trails, Healthy People program. The program is aimed at increasing the number of physically active New Yorkers by helping communities create new or increase the usage of existing multi-use trails. Selected communities receive help with technical issues, planning, public outreach, grant writing, fundraising, programming, organizational development and other activities critical to the long-term success of trail projects.PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK OFFERS GRANTS FOR PARK AND TRAIL GROUPS - Grants aim to boost organizational capacity - Parks & Trails New York is launching the next round of its Capacity Building Grants for park and trail groups in New York State. The grants, of up to $3,000, will strengthen not-for-profit organizations that are working to build and protect parks and trails in communities across the state. READ MORE.
ASSISTANCE WITH TRAIL DEVELOPMENT AVAILABLE TO NYS COMMUNITIES - Application deadline October 12-
Parks & Trails New York, a statewide parks and trails advocacy organization, is offering
assistance to communities wishing to develop a new multi-use trail or increase usage of
an existing trail as part of its Healthy Trails, Healthy People Program. Communities will
receive help with technical issues, planning, public outreach, grant writing, fundraising,
programming, organizational development and other activities critical to the long-term
success of trail projects. READ MORE.
GREAT HUDSON VALLEY PEDAL - DAYS 4-6: HYDE PARK TO GARRISON TO NYACK TO NYC - 150 cyclists take six-day tour through Hudson Valley—Walkway Over the Hudson highlight of 7th annual. Some 150 bicyclists from 24 states and Canada are participating in the 7th annual Great Hudson Valley Pedal event, organized by Parks & Trails New York, a statewide not-for-profit organization. The 200-mile bicycle tour ends on Sunday, August 21 in New York City.“The Great Hudson Valley Pedal is bound to be a fun and exciting event.” READ MORE.
GREAT HUDSON VALLEY PEDAL - DAYS 1-3: ALBANY TO HUDSON TO HYDE PARK - 7th annual Great Hudson Valley Pedal tour starts August 16 in Albany. Some 150 bicyclists from 25 states and Canada are participating in the 7th annual Great Hudson Valley Pedal event, organized by Parks & Trails New York, a statewide not-for-profit organization. The 200-mile bicycle tour ends on Sunday, August 21 in New York City. “The Great Hudson Valley Pedal is bound to be a fun and exciting event,” says Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York. “We have riders spanning ages 6 to 80, plus many volunteers in communities along the route ready to welcome riders and help them discover what makes the Hudson Valley region so unique.” READ MORE.
TRAILS AND GREENWAYS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 23 AND 24 IN ITHACA - Parks & Trails New York and the Finger Lakes Land Trust will host the region’s first-ever trails and greenways conference, Friday, September 23 and Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Cornell University in Ithaca. The conference, entitled Finger Lakes Trails and Greenways: Connecting communities, promoting health, and strengthening local economies, will examine the important contribution that trails can make to individual health, quality of life and the environmental and economic health of the region. READ MORE.
SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR GREAT HUDSON VALLEY PEDAL 21 200-MILE BICYCLE TOUR FROM ALBANY TO NYS FEATURING FIVE FABULOUS BRIDGE CROSSINGS - The 7th annual Great Hudson Valley Pedal—a six-day, 200-mile recreational bicycle tour from Albany to New York City—is scheduled for August 16-21, 2011. READ MORE.13TH ANNUAL CYCLING THE ERIE CANAL ARRIVES IN CAPITAL REGION JUYLY 16 — They started out in Buffalo on Sunday, July 10, leaving their cars behind. Some 500 bicyclists from 35 states will be arriving in the Capital Region on Saturday, July 16 as participants in the 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour, organized by Parks & Trails New York, a statewide non-profit advocacy organization. The 400-mile bicycle tour ends on Sunday, July 17 in Albany. READ MORE.
13TH ANNUAL CYCLING THE ERIE CANAL ARRIVES IN MOHAWK VALLEY JULY 14 – They started out in Buffalo on Sunday, July 10, leaving their cars behind. Some 500 bicyclists from 35 states will be arriving in the Mohawk Valley on Thursday, July 14 as participants in the 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour, organized by Parks & Trails New York, a statewide not-for-profit organization. The 400-mile bicycle tour ends on Sunday, July 17 in Albany. READ MORE.
13TH ANNUAL CYCLING THE ERIE CANAL ARRIVES IN SENECA FALLS JULY 13 - They started out in Buffalo on Sunday, July 10, leaving their cars behind. Some
500 bicyclists from 35 states will be arriving in Seneca Falls on Tuesday, July 12 as participants in the
13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour, organized by Parks & Trails New York, a statewide not-forprofit
organization. The 400-mile bicycle tour ends on Sunday, July 17 in Albany. READ MORE.
13TH ANNUAL CYCLING THE ERIE CANAL TOUR ARRIVES IN ROCHESTER JULY 11 - They started out in Buffalo on Sunday, July 10, leaving their cars behind. Some 500 bicyclists from 35 states will be arriving in Rochester on Monday, July 11 as participants in the 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour, organized by Parks & Trails New York, a statewide not-for-profit organization. The 400-mile bicycle tour ends on Sunday, July 17 in Albany. READ MORE.
13TH ANNUAL CYCLING THE ERIE CANAL ARRIVES IN MEDINA JULY 10 – They started out in Buffalo on Sunday, July 10, leaving their cars and expensive gas behind. Some 500 bicyclists from 35 states will be arriving in Medina that evening as participants in the 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour, organized by Parks & Trails New York, a statewide not-for-profit organization. The 400-mile bicycle tour ends on Sunday, July 17 in Albany. READ MORE.
500 CYCLISTS TAKE WEEK-LONG VACATION ALONG ERIE CANAL -13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour starts July 10 in Buffalo – They start out in Buffalo on Sunday, July 10, leaving their cars behind. Some 500 bicyclists from 35 states are participating in the 13th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour, organized by Parks & Trails New York, a statewide not-for-profit organization. The 400-mile bicycle tour ends on Sunday, July 17 in Albany. READ MORE.
SPECTACULAR RAIL AND CANAL TRAILS FOR SPRING BIRDING - Visiting a rail or canal trail is a wonderful way to stretch your legs after a long, cold winter. With scores of beautiful birds available for viewing during spring migration, bird watching is a great reason to get moving. Birding is one of the most popular forms of recreation in the country, with one in five people enjoying the activity. With this in mind, Parks & Trails New York has developed a list of trails especially good for birding. READ MORE.
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR GREAT HUDSON VALLEY PEDAL BICYCLE TOUR 200-MILE BICYCLE TOUR FROM ALBANY TO NYC SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 16-21, 2011– The 7th annual Great Hudson Valley Pedal—a six-day, 200-mile recreational bicycle tour from Albany to New York City—is scheduled for August 16-21, 2011. Great Hudson Valley Pedal participants will pedal their way through one of the most picturesque river valleys in the world. The Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, Olana State Historic Site, and West Point are just a few of the many interesting stops along the way. READ MORE.
DATES SET FOR 13TH ANNUAL CROSS-STATE BICYCLE TOUR ALONG ERIE CANAL- 400-mile bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany - July 10-17, 2011 - The 13th annual cross-state bicycle tour along the Erie Canal – Cycling the Erie Canal – is scheduled for July 10-17, 2011. Cycling the Erie Canal is an eight-day, 400-mile, recreational bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany along the legendary Erie Canal. READ MORE.
PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK PRAISES GOVERNOR CUOMO'S SELECTION FOR PARKS COMMISSIONER - Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) would like to commend Governor Cuomo on his outstanding selection for Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. We are pleased that Governor Cuomo selected a passionate and well-respected parks and open space professional to head the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. We congratulate Rose Harvey and look forward to working with her in the years ahead to sustain and support our magnificent parks and historic sites,” said Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of PTNY.
GOVERNOR'S BUDGET WILL DEVASTATE PARKS - AND THE REVENUE THEY GENERATE - Governor Cuomo’s proposed Executive Budget for the State Parks agency, which reduces the parks budget by $19 million, will result in park closings, plus more drastic cutbacks in hours and services.SEVEN TRAILS FOR WINTER WONDER - Parks & Trails New York introduces its Seven Trails for Winter Wonder – trails which will reinvigorate the body and stimulate the senses of winter enthusiasts. Exercising during the winter can be difficult; cold and snowy weather conditions seem to limit outdoor opportunities.
STATE PARKS CLOSING WHILE PARKS' POPULARITY SOARS - Keeping all parks open critical to economic turnaround of NYS.
In a strange disconnect, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) announced
last week that attendance at state parks and historic sites was up one million over the previous year
while, at the same time, parks and historic sites have been closing
EIGHT CAPACITY
BUILDING GRANTS AWARDED TO STRENGTHEN PARK AND TRAIL GROUPS AROUND THE STATE - Parks & Trails New York awarded eight capacity building grants to not-for-profit park and trail
organizations to aid them in their efforts to increase organizational visibility and generate community
support, grow membership, and attract additional volunteers.
Made possible by a generous private donor, Parks & Trails New York’s capacity building grants are
designed to strengthen the state’s not-for-profit park and trail organizations, enabling them to leverage
more private funding and marshal more volunteer power to better fill the gaps in government spending.
PARKS ADVOCACY GROUPS RELEASE PROPOSAL TO REVITALIZE UNDERFUNDED STATE PARK SYSTEM - Report suggests steps to restore funding and protect New York state parks. Repeated budget cuts have threatened New York’s unparalleled inventory of state parks, leaving unmet maintenance needs that jeopardize the almost $2 billion in economic activity the facilities provide to local communities, according to a report issued jointly today by the Alliance for New York State Parks and Parks & Trails New York. READ MORE.
NEW REPORT CITES NEED TO “CLOSE THE GAPS” IN CANALWAY TRAIL - Trail completion will benefit upstate economy - As the bicycling season winds down, the Canalway Trails Association New York (CTANY) says that progress has been made this year toward completing the 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany, but that more effort is needed to fill critical gaps in the trail before it can reach its full potential as a major tourism destination and local community resource. CTANY, in collaboration with Parks & Trails New York, has released Closing the Gaps: A Progress NEW YORK’S PARKS & TRAILS OFFER HALLOWEEN MAGIC – Just in time for the Halloween season, Parks & Trails New York announces its list of haunting experiences in parks and on trails across the state, from Long Island to Fort Niagara. Whether your preferences run to ghostly tales or the flickering light of hundreds of carved pumpkins, these events offer new and magical perspectives on public parks and trails, often at night and outdoors amidst the remaining autumn foliage. For each, contact information for further details is provided. Read more.STATE PARK ATTENDANCE UP BUT PARK BUDGET WAY DOWN. WILL NEXT GOVERNOR FURTHER SLAS THE PARK BUDGET AND NECESSITATE PARK CLOSINGS IN 2011? - Attendance at state parks is up 3.5 percent; 1.4 million more park visitors enjoyed the 178 parks and 35 historic sites that make up the State Park System this summer than last. However, the State Parks agency had to accommodate these additional visitors on a severely reduced budget, down 18 percent from three years ago, and with 1400 fewer lifeguards, park police and maintenance workers than in 2008. Read more.
J.B. GOOD, Pittsburgh, PA - I live in the Pittsburgh area where we have more than a few miles of excellent rail trails. I am familiar with PTNY through the net and from numerous trips to Niagara Falls (Ontario). The PTNY site is excellent and well organized, as well as the guidebook... I made a three day trip on the canal from Lockport to Syracuse last week. All involved have done a fine job developing and promoting the trail. Maybe I will do the Eastern side of the Canal sometime. Thanks again for the effort of the staff at PTNY! -
BUILD IT AND THEY WILL BIKE - Bicycling may still not be taken seriously by many motorists, but, fortunately, public officials are starting to — and at the highest levels. The Congressional Bicycle Caucus is now 180 strong, with most of its members commuting to work in the U.S. Capitol on their human-powered machines.
ASSISTING STATE PARKS -PRIVATE FUNDING WILL HELP ADVANCE PROJECTS - New York has many wonderful state parks that provide sites for recreation and appreciation of natural beauty.
TRAILS CONNECT WITH NATURE -
Recent Times Union articles have addressed ideas for creating recreational trails in our region. In Rensselaer County, efforts to develop a trail network began two years ago and are showing significant progress.