Parks & Trails New York PRESS RELEASES
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
FRIENDS' FILL THE VOID OF STATE FUNDING FOR PARKS -
When Robert Moses built Jones Beach State Park in 1929, he didn't scrimp.
His vision of a beach club for the middle class included architectural gems such as
mosaic images embedded in the sidewalks, trash receptacles camouflage....
DAYS 19 AND 20: SYRACUSE, NY–199 MILES ON THE ERIE CANAL It’s a real shame I couldn’t find good internet connection last night…because yesterday we hit the 1,000-mile mark! (Everyone’s odometer is slightly different..so we kind of had to estimate the exact moment. But we definitely hit it yesterday.) I am in utter disbelief that I’ve made it this far. Susannah Clark, the girl who spent 60 percent of her college career in bed watching the Food Network, biked 1,000 miles in 20 days. Unreal.
PASSING THROUGH - CYCLING TOUR STOPS IN CANAJOHARIE ON WAY TO ALBANY - A tent city sprung up on the Canajoharie High School lawn Friday to house about 500 bicycle riders from across the country. They were participating in the 12th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour, a 400-mile-long ride from Buffalo to Albany.
500 CYCLISTS RIDING IN ANNUAL ERIE CANAL BIKE TOUR - Some 500 bicyclists from nearly three dozen states are making their way eastward along the Erie Canal as part of an annual cycling tour organized by a parks advocacy group. The 12th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour began Sunday in Buffalo. The group spent Tuesday night in Seneca Falls, where they'll resume their journey this morning.
CANAL BIKE TOUR INCLUDES ORLEANS STOP - More than 500 cyclists have registered for the "Cycling the Erie Canal" tour which starts July 11 and includes early stops in Orleans County.
The 400-mile trip takes riders from Buffalo to Albany, beginning Sunday. The 12th annual recreational ride runs through July 18 as it highlights the beauty, history, culture and recreational appeal of the Canal System and the Canalway Trail, a prime tourism destination in New York State.
BICYCLE TRAVEL GUIDE AVAILABLE FROM STATE - The New York State Canal Corporation, Parks & Trails New York and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor today announced the availability of "Bicyclists Bring Business: A Guide for Attracting Bicyclists to New York's Canal Communities" has been made available by the state Canal Corporation, Parks & Trails New York and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
STATE BUDGET WOES MAY MAKE FOR NOT-SO-HAPPY CAMPERS - Campgrounds at New York's state parks open for business later this week. Well, most of them will anyway. Because of the state budget crunch, officials with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation say 11 of the 67 campgrounds maintained and operated by the office will not open this year.
With the closings, the number of campsites available through the parks department will fall from 9,400 to around 9,100, according to state officials.
The campground at Moreau Lake State Park will be open, but the shuttering of nearby facilities could mean more campers and harder-to-obtain reservations at the park.
NYSAC - SUPPORTING PARKS AND TRAILS IN CHALLENGING ECONOMIC TIMES: LESSONS FROM STATE PARKS - In recent weeks the potential impact of New York State’s budgetary crisis on state parks, and the public outrage over plans to close many parks and historic sites, has captured media attention statewide. Clearly, citizens deeply value these magnificent parks and their access to the trails and other facilities within them.
SEEING OPPORTUNITY ON THE ERIE CANAL -
A short walk along the Erie Canal Pathway in Gates provides the casual hiker a tale of two experiences.
The beeping of trucks backing up at the monstrous, blue Monroe County Recycling Center, just across the canal waters from Lee Road in Gates to the city of Rochester, provides the soundtrack while graffiti on the path lets visitor know that “Phil D. was here Aug. 29, 2009” — and Kia, according to her tag, was there, too.
WGRZ RECORDS SHOW MOST NEW YORK STATE PARKS LOSE MONEY - As the state moves forward on closing state parks this year, records show that most of them are money losers and only about two dozen turn a profit each year. Typically, a park that loses money doesn't have much impact on the state's budgeting: Some that make money offset the losses of the others, or the money is made up through general appropriations in the state budget. But state officials have had to take a closer look at which parks are profitable and which ones are drains on state finances amid New York's fiscal downturn. Because of funding cuts, the state Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and Gov. David Paterson have proposed the massive closure of 55 parks and historical sites -- the first time in New York history a state park would be shuttered.
CANAL CORP, PARKS & TRAILS NY, ERIE CANALWAY NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR ANNOUNCES BICYCLISTS BRING BUSINESS GUIDE - a Resource for Canal Communities to Attract Bicyclists
by New York State Canal Corporation - The New York State Canal Corporation, Parks & Trails New York and the
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor today announced the availability of Bicyclists Bring Business: A Guide for
Attracting Bicyclists to New York's Canal Communities. The Bicyclists Bring Business guide focuses on how to
attract and profit from the growing number of bicycle tourists along the Erie Canalway Trail. Local business people,
elected officials, Chambers of Commerce, Tourism Promotion
PLANNER WINS AWARD - The Binghamton Metropolitan Transportation Study announced that Scott Reigle, a senior transportation planner has won an award from Parks & Trails New York. Reigle, along with Mark Bowers of the state Department of Transportation, won the 2010 Healthy Trails, Healthy People award. They were cited for "their leadership, compassion and dedication to engaging local governments, the health care sector, and many other community organizations in the creation of the more than 30-mile Greater Binghamton Greenway/Binghamton River Trail spanning two counties and seven municipalities."
While only pieces of the greenway system have been constructed so far, including the Vestal Rail Trail and Chenango River Walk, work continues on implementing the entire master plan. Parks & Trails New York works statewide to protect New York's parks and trails and help communities create new parks and trails.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR CANAL CLEAN SWEEP - Volunteers are encouraged to help participate in the Canal Clean Sweep at the Old Champlain Lock 4 Saturday April 17. In honor of Earth Day, a day devoted to eco-friendly events to promote the environment, volunteers from the New York Canal Corporation and the Parks and Trails New York will clean the area around old Lock 4.
57 STATE PARKS TO CLOSE DUE TO BUDGET SHORT FALL - ANOTHER 34 AT RISK OF CLOSURE- At least 57 state parks and historic sites are targeted to close if Governor Paterson’s Executive Budget is enacted, according to a list released today. Twenty-two more parks will face severely reduced hours and services. The list released to the Legislature details another 34 state parks that will close if $5 million slated for park operations in the Environmental Protection Fund per the Governor’s 21-day Budget Amendments is not enacted.
HALFMOON VOLUNTEER RECEIVES STATE AWARD - A dedicated Halfmoon volunteer and supporter of community hiking trails has been awarded the 2009 Trail Tender of the Year award by the New York State Canal Corporation.
The award presented to Henrietta O'Grady came in a surprise ceremony as part of the Feb. 3 Town Board meeting. It was a well disguised tribute to an active community volunteer.
The presentation was made by Canal Corporation Director Carmella Mantello. The Trail Tender award was established in 1998 and is awarded as a joint effort by the state Canal Corporation and Parks and Trails of New York.
WRVO PARKS ADVOCATES CALL FOR POTENTIAL CLOSURE LIST - The governor's proposed budget cuts will likely mean that some state parks will have
to close. At a legislative hearing late last week, NYS Parks Commissioner Carole Ash would not reveal which parks
are on the chopping block.
During the legislative hearing, Ash said that she sees no alternative to closing some parks this summer given the
22 percent cut the governor has recommended to the Office of Parks and Historic Preservation.
Robin Dropkin, with the advocacy group Parks and Trails New York, says the parks agency should come clean with which parks might be closed.
RIDGE PARK MAY CLOSE BEFORE IT OFFICIALLY OPENS -
A local state park could close before it even officially opens thanks to a 12 percent parks and recreation reduction proposed in Gov. David Paterson's budget. Brookhaven State Park, located on the east side of William Floyd Parkway near Whiskey Road in Ridge, was
acquired by the state in the 1970s from Brookhaven National Laboratory. Due to the financial crisis of that decade, the state pulled the park's funding. Over the years, local residents noted that it became a dumping
ground for abandoned cars and a haven for ATV riders. James Mesenbourg, the park's manager, said that in the past five years the state has taken the initiative to clean
up the park and make it safe for the public."We've come so far," said Mr. Mesenbourg, who has worked...
PARK GRANTS AWARDED - FUNDS WILL STRENGTHEN TRAIL AND PARK GROUPS IN COLUMBIA COUNTY - Park and trail advocacy group Parks & Trails New York awarded Capacity Building Grants Wednesday to two Columbia County trail groups totaling more than $3,000.
Nine grants were awarded by the group to provide 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.
Friends of Kinderhook Trails received $1,900 for individual and business membership materials. Friends of Taconic State Parkway was awarded $1,425 for a marketing and membership consultant
The Observer - ERIE CATTARAUGUS RAIL TRAIL RECIEVES FUNDING - Parks & Trails New York recently awarded nine grants to strengthen park and trail groups around the state. One of those nine was the Erie-Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. in the amount of $1,359 for Web site updates and design, production and distribution of membership materials. The nine Capacity Building Grants awarded this past week by the park and trail advocacy group 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.
Jamestown Post Journal PARKS IN TROUBLE - GOV. PATERSON BUDGET PUTS STATE RECREATION AREAS ON THE LOOKOUT - Some state parks will have no option but to close if Gov. David Paterson's proposed budget is enacted without change. According to Parks & Trails New York, the not-for profit advocate for New York's parks system, the passage of Paterson's budget proposal will mean a total cut in funding of 40 percent by the governor in the last two years. As explained by Robin Dropkin, Parks & Trails New York's executive director, the decision as to how many parks will close and which ones will shut down is up to the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Regardless, Dropkin said, a cut in funding of the magnitude proposed by Paterson will certainly result in "significant" closings.
COLUMBIA COUNTY WINS PARKS AND TRAILS NEW YORK GRANTS - The advocacy group Parks and Trails New York is giving out thousands of dollars in grants. The grants are designed to help not-for-profit park and trail organizations generate community support, grow membership and attract more volunteers.
GUV: CUT SCHOOLS, HEALTH, STATE JOBS - ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS -
The executive budget also called for a $69 million cut to the state’s Environmental Protection Fund as well as reductions in the number of staff members at the Department of Environmental Conservation and various park agencies, among other cuts.
The Adirondack Council, an environmental research, education and advocacy organization, referred to Paterson’s plan as a declaration of war on the state’s environment.
PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK AWARDS NINE GRANTS - The advocacy group Parks and Trails New York is giving out thousands of dollars
in grants.
The grants are designed to help not-for-profit park and trail organizations generate community
support, grow membership and attract more volunteers.
STATE BUDGET: PATERSON PLAN COULD HIT PARKS HARD - Gov. Paterson’s proposed budget cuts are expected to force the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to close a number of parks across the state.
CONCERN FOR STATE PARKS CUTS IN 2010 - Parks and Trails New York voiced its discomfort over Gov. David A. Paterson not mentioning in his State of the State address a plan for protecting and creating jobs at New York state parks, and whether there would be any more cuts to funding for state parks in the 2010-2011 budget.
COUNTY COMPLETES PURCHASE OF ALBANY COUNTY RAIL TRAIL-
The County purchased the nine-mile stretch of the old Delaware & Hudson Railway between the Port of Albany and Voorheesville for $700,000 from Canadian Pacific Railway with a 2003 grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) of $350,000. Scenic Hudson, a Poughkeepsie-based non-profit land conservation organization, donated the matching funds of $350,000 to complete the purchase.
CANALWAY TRAFFIC MORE THAN 150,000 AT LOCATIONS IN CAPITAL DISTRICT - The New York State Canal Corporation and Parks and Trails New York today announced the availability of Who's on the Trail? The Erie Canalway Trail User Count 2009, a detailed report that found that annual traffic on the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail section of the Canalway Trail at several locations in the Capital District is as high as 174,000 people.
STATE SHOULD INVEST IN PUBLIC PARKS, TRAILS -
Gov. David Paterson missed an opportunity in his State of the State address to set an environmental agenda that would create jobs and protect our state’s parks, trails and green spaces. An investment in public parks, trails and green spaces not only helps the environment, public well being and beauty of our state, but creates economic benefits as well. state parks.
IN ORDER TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT OUR PARKS, THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE MUST MAINTAIN 2009-2010 LEVELS OF FUNDING TO STATE PARKS - Despite the importance of parks to New York, the state park system is currently teetering at the edge of park closures. Over the last 18 months, the state park department’s budget has been cut by 25 percent and the agency has lost nearly 1,000 permanent and seasonal staff.
MADISON COUNTY COURIER - COMMITTEE DEDICATES FISHING PLATFORM - Trout Unlimited, Creek Walk Volunteers Mark End of Phase I - Members of the Chittenango Creek Walk and Neighborhood Trail Committee joined with volunteers from Madison County Trout Unlimited Chapter 680 in dedicating the completed handicapped-accessible fishing platform built by TU volunteers.
GROUP FOSTERS NY TRAIL DEVELOPMENT -
Five New York trail projects have been selected to receive assistance from Parks and Trails
New York, a statewide organization dedicated to preserving and creating new parks
throughout the state. The trails selected are the Black Walk Creek in the village of Mexico, Oswego County; the D&H Rail Trail in Salem and Granville, Washington County; the Erie-Cattaraugus Rail Trail in Orchard Park, the O&W Rail Trail in Fallsburg and the Upper Hudson Rail Trail in Tahawus.
BLACK CREEK WALK IN MEXICO TO RECEIVE ORGANIZATION'S HELP - The Black Creek Walk in Mexico is one of five trails statewide selected to receive help from the statewide nonprofit organization Parks & Trails New York as part of its Healthy Trails, Healthy People program.
The program's goal is helping New Yorkers develop more active communities and an enhanced quality of life by creating new or increasing the usage of existing multi-use trails.
PROPOSED THREE-COUNTY RAIL TRAIL GETS PLANNING AID - While Warren County supervisors wrestled over how to fix a section of railroad track in Riparius last summer after it was washed out, Curtis Austin dreamed up a plan to use 29 miles of rails from North Creek to Tahawus."It would be an awesome trail," he said. "This one goes into the heart of the Adirondacks." Austin, a Chestertown resident and former manager and engineer for General Electric, formed the Friends of the Upper Hudson Rail Trail, and is working toward building
N.Y., REINVEST IN STATE PARKS -
Filmmaker Ken Burns' six-part series on the national parks airing this week on PBS is
bringing lots of attention to America's "best idea" -- its national park system. However, here
in New York, we also have a very special park system.
On-Hudson.com - NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF PARKS ANNOUNCES $3.3 MILLION FOR APPALACHIAN TRAIL RESTORATION @ BEAR MOUNTAIN - New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash announced $3.3 million in grants for 32 trail-related projects around the state as part of the Federal Recreational Trails Program. The on-going rehabilitation of the Appalachian Trail as it winds through Bear Mountain's State Park will be funded with support from two awards
101 MILES ALONG THE ERIE CANAL - A BEGINNER PEDALS A PATH THROUGH NEW YORK HISTORY - Fifteen miles I could do. Four hundred though? I hadn't been on a bike for 15 years. I didn't even own a bike. But when my daughter suggested the Erie Canal bike ride last fall, it sounded like fun. Fun in the far distant future, that is, like the next July.
MADISON COUNTY COURIER HAMILTON OFFICIALLY OPENS NEW CHENANGO CANAL TRAIL - On Saturday, September 26, Senator David Valesky and Mayor Sue McVaugh stood at the entrance to the Chenango Canal Trail off Montgomery Street to officially open Hamilton’s new recreational walking/hiking trail and unveil a national marker. Joining them at the ribbon-cutting were Diane Van Slyke of the Chenango Canal Association (CCA), Harvey Kliman of the Southern Madison Heritage Trust (SMHT), and Wally Elton of Parks & Trail New York.
PARKS IN CRISIS - LOCAL CHAIRMAN ASKS FOR HELP KEEPING PARKS - New York's parks are in crisis, according to Dalton Burgett, chairman of the Allegany Parks Commission.
Having been cut funding and staff in recent years, the state parks system has nowhere left to trim and
may soon see closures as a result of the continued budget deficit.
Hoping a grassroots campaign of e-mails, phone calls and letters will keep Gov. David Paterson from
shuttering parks in 2010, Burgett said Friday that chairmen from each of the state's 10 other regions are
similarly calling on residents to petition lawmakers.
PUTTING NEW YORK'S TRAILS ON THE MAP - New Yorkers are lucky to have one of the most extensive multi-use trail
systems in the country. The trouble
is, they may not know it, or know exactly
where to find the trails, or know
exactly what they are like or what
they have to offer in the way of amenities. That problem has been solved
by the nonprofi t group Parks & Trails
New York, which has just come out with an on-line guide called Trailfinder (www.ptny.org/trailfinder).
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. Five communities will be selected to 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.
GREAT HUDSON VALLEY PEDAL DAYS 4-6: Hyde Park → Garrison → Nyack → NYC - 175 cyclists take six-day tour through Hudson Valley - Walkway Over the Hudson lynchpin of tour – Some 175 bicyclists from 20 states and Canada are participating in the 6th 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 15 in New York City. “The Great Hudson Valley Pedal is a fun and exciting event, with five fabulous bridge crossings over the Hudson River, including the Walkway over the Hudson,” says Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York. “We have riders spanning ages 8 to 86, plus many volunteers in communities along the route ready to welcome riders and help them discover what makes the Hudson Valley region so unique.”
GREAT HUDSON VALLEY PEDAL SIX-DAY BICYCLE TOUR - 150 cyclists take six-day tour through Hudson Valley —6th annual Great Hudson Valley Pedal tour starts August 11 in Albany – Some 175 bicyclists from 25 states and Canada are participating in the 6th 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 15 in New York City.
500 CYCLISTS TAKE WEEK-LONG, AFFORDABLE VACATION ALONG ERIE CANAL
—12th annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour starts July 11 in Buffalo – They start out in Buffalo on Sunday, July 11, leaving their cars behind. Some 500 bicyclists from 35 states are participating in the 12th 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 18 in Albany.
VICTORY FOR PARK ADVOCATES AS LEADERS FIND WAY TO KEEP PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES OPEN - Advocates express concern that lawmakers are COMPROMISING environmental protection fund. It’s memorial day weekend – go to a park or historic site and see what we have been fighting for - Victory is at hand. The people of NY have spoken – do not close our parks! – and the Governor and legislature have listened. Parks & Trails New York applauds the Governor and legislators for finding a way to let our magnificent parks and historic sites reopen in time for Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the summer travel season.
GOVERNOR MOVES TO SAVE HORSE TRACKS, WHILE
STIFFING A SURE BET BY SHUTTERING PARKS AND
HISTORIC SITES
CUTTING FOUR-THOUSANDS OF ONE PERCENT OF STATE BUDGET
ENDANGERS FACILITIES THAT GENERATE $1.9 BILLION IN ECONOMIC
ACTIVITY, 20,000 NON-PARK JOBS -
As Governor Paterson works on providing loans worth up to $25 million to the New York
Racing Association, the state has continued padlocking parks and shuttering historic sites across
New York, using the recreational facilities relied on by millions of New Yorkers.
BICYCLISTS BRING BUSINESS! - Free 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 Monday, May 17 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Saratoga Town Hall, corner of Route 29 (Spring Street) and Route 4, Schuylerville, NY.
GROUPS REJECT IOGANY'S ATTEMPT TO BUY OFF NEW YORK'S ENVIRONMENT - In response to a statement released today by the Independent Oil & Gas Association of New York (IOGANY), several environmental and good government organizations question IOGANY's math and claims of "environmental potential" related to natural gas development using high volume hydraulic fracturing, often called "fracking."
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR GREAT HUDSON VALLY PEDAL BICYCLE TOUR - 200-mile bicycle tour from Albany to NYC scheduled for August 10-15, 2010 - The 6th annual Great Hudson Valley Pedal—a six-day, 200-mile recreational bicycle tour from Albany to New York City—is scheduled for August 10-15, 2010.
DATES SET FOR 12TH ANNUAL CROSS-STATE BICYCLE TOUR ALONG ERIE CANAL - 400-mile bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany scheduled for July 11-18, 2010 - The 12th annual cross-state bicycle tour along the Erie Canal – Cycling the Erie Canal – is scheduled for July 11-18, 2010. Cycling the Erie Canal is an eight-day, 400-mile, recreational bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany along the legendary Erie Canal.
NEW YORKERS NEED PARKS, NOT FISCAL GIMMICKS - Governor’s 21-day budget amendments still mean park closings. The additional funding for parks contained in the governor’s 21-day budget amendments is just a drop in the bucket that will still mean dozens of park closings throughout the state. “While we’re normally not keen on increasing park fees, these are extraordinary times and we support the increase for golf and other park fees proposed in the Governor’s budget amendment,” said Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, a statewide advocacy organization.STATE PARKS TO CLOSE - GOVERNOR PATERSON'S 2010-2011 BUDGET PROPOSAL SLASHES STATE PARK FUNDING, INESCAPABLY FORCING PARK CLOSINGS - If the Governor’s budget proposal is enacted, State Parks’ operating budget will have been slashed 40 percent over the last two years, resulting in the closing of many state parks, asserts Parks & Trails New York, the not-for profit advocate for New York’s state park system.
PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK AWARDS NINE GRANTS TO STRENGTHEN PARK AND TRAILS GROUPS AROUND THE STATE - Nine Capacity Building Grants awarded today by the park and trail advocacy group 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.
PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK REACTS TO GOVERNOR PATERSON'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS - Governor Paterson missed an opportunity in his State of the State address to set an environmental agenda that would create jobs and protect our state’s parks, trails, and green spaces. “An investment in public parks, trails, and green spaces not only helps the environment, public well being, and beauty of our state, but creates economic benefits as well,” said Shawn McConnell, Park Campaign Director for New York Trails & Parks. New York’s State Park system generates $1.9 billion
PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR 2010 GREENWAY AND COMMUNITY TRAIL AWARDS- Parks & Trails New York, a statewide parks and trails advocacy organization, is seeking nominations for its 2010 Greenway and Community Trail Awards. The awards recognize the leadership, creativity, and donation of time, talent, and materials behind many of New York’s trails.
NOVEMBER 2009
FIVE NEW TRAIL PROJECTS TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE FROM PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK - Five New York trail projects have been selected to receive assistance from the statewide nonprofit organization Parks & Trails New York as part of its Healthy Trails, Healthy People program. The program is aimed at helping New Yorkers develop more active communities and an enhanced quality of life by creating new or increasing the usage of existing multi-use trails. As part of the program, selected 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.
PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK OFFERS GRANTS FOR PARKS 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.
ASSISTANCE WITH TRAIL DEVELOPMENT AVAILABLE TO NYS COMMUNITIES - APPLICATION DEADLINE OCTOBER 2 - 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 on an existing trail as part of its Healthy Trails, Healthy People Program. Five communities will be selected to 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.NEW ON-LINE GUIDE TO MULTI-USE TRAILS IN NYS - VISIT TRAIL FINDER AT WWW.PTNY.ORG/TRAILFINDER -
Parks & Trails New York has launched a new on-line guide to multi-use trails in New York State, just in
time for the best outdoor season of the year--fall. Called TrailFinder, the site focuses on trails and
greenways that allow multiple uses—such as walking, bicycling, in-line skating, cross-country skiing
and, in some cases, horseback riding and snowmobiling. TraiFinder includes 11 trails, totaling more
than 1200 miles.
GREAT HUDSON VALLEY PEDAL DAYS 1-3 - Albany → Hudson → Hyde Park - 150 cyclists take six-day tour through Hudson Valley - 5th annual Great Hudson Valley Pedal tour starts August 11 in Albany - ALBANY, N.Y. – Some 150 bicyclists from 25 states and Canada are participating in the 5th 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 16 in New York City.
Great Hudson Valley Pedal - Days 4-6: Hyde Park → Garrison → Nyack → NYC150 cyclists take six-day tour through Hudson Valley -5th annual Great Hudson Valley Pedal tour ends in NYC August 16 - ALBANY, N.Y. – Some 150 bicyclists from 25 states and Canada are participating in the 5th 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 16 in New York City.
JULY 2009
ASSISTANCE WITH TRAIL DEVELOPMENT AVAILABLE TO NYS COMMUNITIES - APPLY BY OCTOBER 2 - 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 on an existing trail as part of its Healthy Trails, Healthy People Program. Five communities will be selected to 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.BICYCLISTS BRING BUSINESS! FREE ROUNDTABLE - Free 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 Wednesday, June 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Crandall Public Library, 251 Glen Street, Glens Falls.
CROSS-STATE BICYCLE TOUR ALONG ERIE CANAL 400-MILE BICYCLE TOUR FROM BUFFALO TO ALBANY SCHEDULED FOR JULY 12-19, 2009 - The 11th annual cross-state bicycle tour along the Erie Canal – Cycling the Erie Canal – is scheduled for July 12-19, 2009. Cycling the Erie Canal is an eight-day, 400-mile, recreational bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany along the legendary Erie Canal.
ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT OF NYS PARK SYSTEM CLOSE TO $2 BILLION, PLUS 20,000 JOBS, NEW STUDY FINDS - Analysis reveals Park System gives back more than five times state investment - A new economic analysis released by Parks & Trails New York, the leading statewide park and trail advocacy organization, shows that the New York State Park System is a valuable economic asset to the Empire State. It supports up to $1.94 billion in output and sales for private businesses, plus 20,000 jobs.
ANALYSIS REVEALS PARK SYSTEM GIVES BACK MORE THAN FIVE TIMES STATE INVESTMENT - A new economic analysis released by Parks & Trails New York, the leading statewide park and trail advocacy organization, shows that the New York State Park System is a valuable economic asset to the Empire State. It supports up to $1.94 billion in output and sales for private businesses, plus 20,000 jobs.ERIE CANALWAY TRAIL WEBSITE WINS NATIONAL AWARD - Parks & Trails New York interactive website (ptny.org/bikecanal) named “Best Travel and Tourist Site for Trails” by American Trails. A website about the Erie Canalway Trail, developed by Parks & Trails New York, the leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, has been named the “Best Travel and Tourism Site for Trails” by American Trails, the foremost national trails organization.
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PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK AWARDS EIGHT GRANTS TO STRENGTHEN PARK AND TRAIL GROUPS AROUND THE STATE - Eight Capacity Building Grants awarded today by the park and trail advocacy group 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
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.