WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING Choose Month/Year January 2009 November 2008

JUNE 2009

 HELPERS ON CANALWAY TRAIL - Bikers and in-line skaters wearing orange vests on the Canalway Trail between Colonie and Rotterdam will offer assistance and information to trail users throughout the season. The Canalway Trail Ambassador project began last fall as a pilot program in Niskayuna and expanded this year after favorable reports from volunteers and trail users."It worked very well last year," said project director Wally Elton of Parks & Trails New York. "Volunteers helped with bike problems and monitored conditions, but we also had a case last year where a volunteer had to provide first aid."

BUSINESS CYCLE WITH PROFIT POTENTIAL - Long ago, I suggested a bicycle honeymoon to Husband, covering a route from central New York, where we then lived, to the Capital Region, where I had relatives. Since we planned an unconventional wedding anyway -- married in a favorite state park, by a female county court judge presiding over a murder trial (I loved the shock factor of both of those points) -- cycling and camping our way east seemed in character. Husband, though, saw it for the disaster it would have been -- our cheap tent regularly leaked and he had no bike -- and talked me into a trip to Toronto instead. Had he been open at all to my idea, I'm not sure how I would have proceeded.

TWO-WHEELED TOURISM FORUM HELD TO SPUR DISCUSSION ON BETTER TARGETING OF BIKERS - Tourists who ride into town on bicycles can have a bigger economic impact than their slight transportation lets on. The country has more bicyclists than golfers, skiers and tennis players combined, and riders can spend between $150 and $300 a day during overnight trips, according to statistics cited by Parks & Trails New York. The advocacy group held a forum on bicycle tourism Wednesday night at Crandall Public Library meant to catalyze discussion about growing and promoting bicycle tourism, which members of the group said deserves more attention than it's paid.

MAY 2009

CAUTION CAN KEEP JOGGERS SAFE - When a local teacher stood up before a judge earlier this month at the sentencing of one of his attackers, he described what has to be among any jogger’s worst nightmares. The man was jogging last summer on the trail near Schenectady County Community College when he was attacked by two men. He was stabbed in the shoulder as he sprinted away.

CHEAP SUMMER GETAWAYS MIGHT GO AWAY THIS SUMMER – Cash-strapped Americans looking for a cheap getaway at a state park or campground this summer are likely to find instead reduced hours, higher fees and closed beaches and pools.

CANAL BIKE TOUR SCHEDULED - An annual cross‐state bicycle tour along the Erie Canal will kick off July 12 from Buffalo, with riders embarking on an eight‐day, 400‐mile trip to Albany. The Cycling the Erie Canal event will bring riders through historic canal villages, scenery and rural countryside. Along the way, canal historians and local experts will introduce riders to the people and places important to the Erie Canal and the history of the state. About 75 percent of the ride is off‐road on the traffic‐free Canalway Trail. The rest of the trip is on rural roads. Last year’s event brought riders from 38 states, with one‐third of them from New York state. “New Yorkers were as amazed as out‐of‐staters at the beauty of the Erie Canal corridor, as well as its cultural and historic richness,” said Robin Dropkin, ride organizer and executive director of Parks and Trails New York, in a news release.

500 RIDERS EXPECTED TO BIKE ACROSS NEW YORK THIS JULY - Cyclists finish the eight‐day Erie Canal bike tour in 2006. The best way to see New York state may be from the saddle of a bicycle. The groups Parks & Trails New York has announced the date of this year’s annual bike ride from Buffalo to Albany: July 12 to 19. Last year, more than 500 riders from 38 states took part in Cycling the Erie Canal tour, which follows the Erie Canal Bike Path and also makes use of local roads. About 75 percent of the bike path is complete, with sections both paved and made from crushed limestone. The tour, now in its 11th year, takes eight days to ride the 400 miles, with stops along the way to see tourist sites. Participants camp overnight, although local hotels are also available.

SEE UPSTATE NEW YORK FROM A BICYCLE - GO BIKE THE ERIE CANAL ROUTE - The 11th annual cross-state bicycle tour along the Erie Canal - Cycling the Erie Canal - is scheduled for July 12-13. Cycling the Erie Canal is an eight-day, 400-mile, recreational bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany along the legendary Erie Canal.

ERIE CANAL SWEEP - With rakes and chainsaw's in hand, this group of volunteers set out on a mission to cleanup the banks of Oneida Lake where it meets the Erie Canal. "A lot of debris and everything floats through the canal and off the lakes and it just clutters up the shoreline," said Assemblyman David Townsend.

APRIL 2009

CANAL BEING READIED FOR SUMMER SEASON - In preparation for the 184th navigation season on the Erie Canal, the New York State Canal Corp. and Parks and Trails New York are continuing their combined efforts to make the canal a growing tourist attraction in the state.

NYS HOLDING 4TH ANNUAL 'CANAL CLEAN SWEEP' THIS WEEKEND - The New York State Canal System is holding its fourth annual "Clean Sweep" event this weekend. Held in recognition of Earth Day, the statewide event kicking off today and running through Sunday is aimed at preparing the

CLEAN SWEEP TO GET WATERWAYS LOOKING GOOD - In recognition of Earth Day and in preparation for the upcoming 184th consecutive navigation season on the state canal system, the state Canal Corp. is partnering with Parks and Trails New York and the state Environmental Facilities Corp. and Consumer Protection Board to sponsor the fourth annual Canal Clean Sweep this weekend and next.

EARTH DAY: VOLUNTEERS PLANNING TO TIDY UP CANALWAY TRAIL First Presbyterian Church will host a canal cleanup event from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday in conjunction with Earth Day 2009 and the state Canal Corp.’s fourth annual “Canal Clean Sweep.”

BRIGHTON AND PITTSFORD SPRUCING UP FOR CANAL SEASON - It must be spring if Brighton and Pittsford are getting ready for the statewide Canal Clean Sweep. Local groups and residents will take part in a community cleanup of public spaces throughout the canal areas in Brighton and Pittsford.“I think we’ve seen for a long time that people have taken ownership in the canal and do a great job of cleaning it up,” said Pittsford Supervisor Bill Carpenter. Brighton and Pittsford are two of dozens of communities along the state’s four-canal system that will be participating in the fourth annual Canal Clean Sweep weekend on April

CANALWAY TRAIL CELEBRATION PLANNED - Plans are being made for the sixth annual Canalway Trail Celebration, Saturday, June 6, to coincide with National Trails Day. The annual event is designed to highlight the growing prominence of the Canalway Trail corridor as a world-class recreationway and tourist destination for visitors and residents, according to coorinator Parks & Trails New York.

WEB SITE ON ERIE CANAL TRAIL IS TOPS - Bicyclists, runners and walkers frequent the Erie Canalway Trail, but the trail's Web site may soon see increased traffic of its own. The site - www.ptny.org/bikecanal - has been named as "Best Travel and Tourism Site for Trails" by the national organization American Trails. The site, developed by the nonprofit Parks and Trails New York, was noted for how it helps people plan a trip along the historic canal. The "planning a visit" tab on the right-hand

STATE PARKS IMPACT IS $500 MILLION ANNUALLY, STUDY SAYS: LATEST STUDY SHOWS SYSTEM HAS HUGE IMPACT ON LOCAL ECONOMY - A study prepared for a parks advocacy organization says nearly 5,000 jobs and more than a half-billion dollars in annual economic output are tied to state parks in Erie and Niagara counties. The total economic impact statewide due to the spending of the state parks office and park visitors is nearly $2 billion and is tied to more than 20,000 jobs, according to the study prepared for Parks and Trails New York, an Albany-based nonprofit.

NEW STUDY COULD HELP WITH FUNDING FOR NEW YORK STATE PARKS - A new study conducted by the Political Economy Research Institute of the University of Massachusetts found that the New York State Park System carries a benefit-to-cost ratio of more than five to one. The study concentrated on the public spending on parks for general operations and money spent by visitors in parks and the surrounding areas because these are

DELTA, OTHER PARKS BOOST STATE ECONOMY - About 175,000 people visit Delta Lake State Park every year, and they bring in an average of $240,000-$250,000 in revenue to the park every year. They also spend money at local restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and elsewhere.

THE PIPER COMES CALLING FOR OUR GREAT PARKS SYSTEM - Of all the recreational services and venues the state provides, the one that touches more of us than any other is our terrific park system. Last year, our 178 state parks and 35 historic sites had 55.7 million visitors. Most of those visitors were New Yorkers loving New York.

STATE PARKS: ALBANY MUST SUPPORT VALUED SYSTEM - A recent study of New York's state parks system verified what many people already know: the parks are a tremendous asset to the state.

BONDS FOR STATE PARKS: LI JEWELS NEED THIS FUNDING AUTHORIZED - Time is wearing away at Long Island's state parks. The state has dealt with the problem of grass poking through parking lots at Sunken Meadow. But such items as the water tower at Jones Beach and a bridge at Belmont Lake still need work. So a squeeze on the money for maintaining and improving parks is worrisome. The legislature has to help.

GROUP: PARKS SYSTEM FUNDING CAN HELP STATE'S ECONOMY - Increased investment this year in New York's park system can help lead the state out of the recession, according to an economic analysis prepared for a parks advocacy group.

STUDY: STATE PARKS ARE SUBSTANTIAL ASSET. ECONOMIC IMPACT: THOUSLAND ISLANDS REGION SPURS $63M IN SPENDING, EMPLOYS 882 PEOPLE - A new study prepared for a park advocacy group calls New York's state park system "a valuable economic asset to the Empire State."

ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT OF STATE PARK SYSTEM IS CLOSE TO $2 BILLION, 20,000 JOBS, STUDY FINDS - A new economic analysis released by Parks & Trails New York shows that the New York State Park System is a valuable economic asset to the Empire State. It supports

FEBRUARY 2009

REILLY DONATES SALARY FOR 4TH YEAR - Assemblyman Bob Reilly, D-Loudonville, Wednesday donated his 2008 legislative salary to 15 nonprofits, saying the money gives people access to places and experiences they might otherwise miss. This year’s list of recipients include the Albany Institute of History and Art, Historic St. Agnes Cemetery, the Legal Project, and Parks and Trails New York. Recipients do not have to be based in Reilly’s district but must be able to show how the district residents will benefit from the funding.

PROMOTING THE PATH

JANUARY 2009

GRANT HELPS WAYNE COUNTY TRAILS GROW, INCREASE MEMBERSHIP - A small grant given to Trail Works Inc. may help the Wayne County organization increase its membership. The group is a not-for-profit association founded by trail users who advocate for trail development and expansion.

TRAIL MAKES ECONOMIC SENSE - Henry Miller's recent call ("Recognizing New York's finest," Perspective, Jan. 11) to refocus statewide economic development efforts around demonstrated strengths with unrealized potential, including tourism, is most welcome. His mention of the historic Erie Canal as perhaps our most "wasted tourism resource" is absolutely right. A key element of the canal's promise is a proven public investment: the Erie Canalway Trail.

FRIENDS GETS GRANT OF $2,700 - ROBERT MOSES PARK: MONEY TO HELP UPDATE NATURE CENTER'S WEB SITE - The Nature Center at Robert Moses State Park is giving itself a face-lift — online and in reality. The Friends of the Nature Center have been awarded a $2,700 grant from Parks & Trails New York to improve the center's Web site, put its newsletter online and determine what types of programs the public wants through surveys.

GREAT BEAR AREA TO BE SHOWCASED IN BROCHURE - The Friends of Great Bear will use a $360 grant from Parks & Trails New York to print a brochure highlighting the various trails and other information regarding the large natural habitat located along the Oswego River and Route 57 in the Town of Volney.

PARK IS AWARDED GRANT - The Friends of Glimmerglass State Park have been awarded a $2,400 Parks and Trails New York grant. The grant will provide the group with consultant assistance with development of a marketing strategic plan and outreach materials to establish organizational identity and partner relationships within the community for the newly‐formed group dedicated to increasing visitation and participation in programs in the park overlooking Otsego Lake.

GLIMMERGLASS TO GET $2,500M - A Cooperstown‐area state park was one of eight recipients of grants announced Thursday by a park and trails advocacy group. Friends of Glimmerglass State Park will receive $2,500 from Park & Trails New York to buy materials and hire a consultant to help develop the organization that was formed in April.

RAIL GROUPS RECEIVE FUNDING - Efforts to develop new trails in Albany and Rensselaer counties got a boost recently from the advocacy group Parks & Trails New York.

DELMAR, HOOSICK FALLS RECEIVED GRANTS TO HELP WITH RAIL-TRAIL EFFORTS - The nonprofit group Parks & Trails New York recently issued eight grants to help increase trails around New York, including several local grants. Locally, the Friends of the Rail Trail in Delmar received $2,000 for printing and mailing of a membership/ project information brochure. The group hopes to build a nine-mile Albany County Rail Trail between Albany and Voorheesville.

WEB FEATURE GIVE MOHAWK VALLEY TOURISTS NEW TOOL - People considering a visit to areas of upstate New York can now explore hundreds of options through a new Internet feature developed by the Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor Commission.

STATE PARK OPENS - With baby Jeremy riding comfortably in his papoose, resident Terry Field said Sunday that he is thrilled to be able to walk in the park with his family. Ten weeks after Schodack Island State Park was closed due to state budget cuts, the park on Route 9J reopened Tuesday, December 30.

DECEMBER 2008

GREENING OF PUBLIC WORKS (Op Ed) - Green jobs now — that's a key focus of the stimulus package that President-elect Barack Obama and the leaders of Congress are working on. Well, New York has a list of repair and renovation projects in its state park system that would fit the bill — and put thousands of people to work almost immediately. The trick is to make sure that our representatives in Washington are able to get these green projects included in the massive public works effort that's about to come.

CAMPAIGN: PARKS WORTHY OF ANOTHER $1 MIL. - Representatives from environmental organizations urged the governor on Nov. 24 to include a second installment of $100 million in capital funding in next year’s budget to help subsidize restoration projects in 178 parks and 35 historic sites that encompass 325,000 acres across the state.

NOVEMBER 2008

PARKS CALLED A SOUND INVESTMENT- ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Group urges Paterson to allocate $100M in budget for improvements.

PARK SUPPORTERS PLAN TO DELIVER 4,000 POST CARDS TO GOVERNOR - ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Supporters of the state parks system plan to send 4,000 post cards to Gov. David Paterson to call for a $100 million investment in capital funding in 2009.

AS OTHERS FIGHT CUTS, PARKS ADVOCATES WANT $100 MILLION - ALBANY—As people from all manner of ideological and interest-group affiliation lobby not to have their funding slashed under a darkening fiscal cloud, parks advocates are arguing for $100 million to improve and bulk up parks infrastructure around the state.

SIX ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS HAVE JOINED FORCES - Six environmental groups have joined forces, calling on New York Governor David Paterson to provide a second 100-Million dollar installment in Capital funding for State Parks in next year's state budget.

STATE SITES CLOSE EARLY FOR LACK OF GREEN - The state's fiscal problems have forced some state parks to close earlier than planned, cut hours of operations and reduce the number of trails that will be plowed for recreation this winter.

PROGRESS IS BEING MADE CREATING MULTI-USE TRAILS - Marlene Kennedy's Aug. 22 column highlighting the need for leadership on a Capital Region bike trail network is most welcome, especially because so few make the connection between trails and business vitality.

FREE WHEELING ON THE ERIE CANAL - Since I was 12 years old, no mode of transportation has signaled freedom to me more than a bicycle. Now, as a retired environmental lawyer from BP, I heard freedom call once again, this time to the Erie Canal, not far from Endicott, N.Y., my old stomping grounds in upstate New York.

COUPLE ENJOYS BICYCLE BUILT FOR TWO - Pam and Guy Wyche stand with their tandem bike they used to participate in the Great Hudson Valley Pedal in August. The Wyches say that biking has improved their overall health and their outlook on life.

PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK OFFERS GRANTS FOR PARKS AND TRAIL GROUPS - Parks & Trails New York is launching a new Capacity Building Grants program 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.

ATTENDANCE AT STATE PARKS FALLS SLIGHTLY AMID ECONOMIC DECLINE - Albany, New York - Attendance at New York parks dipped slightly during this year's vacation season compared to 2007, despite high fuel prices that kept more people closer to home.

AUGUST 2008

BUFFALO'S UGLY WATERFRONT BROWNFIELD BECOMES A GREENWAYS - BUFFALO, New York - A new shoreline trail that opens a prime section of Buffalo's Outer Harbor is now ready for the public after undergoing a $13.5 million environmental restoration to improve public access to the waterfront.

KEEPING WATCH ALONG THE WAY - GOODWILL AMBASSADORS ASSIST AND PROTECT MOHAWK-HUDSON TRAIL - Niskayuna, New York - Fear not if your bicycle tire gets a flat or you find yourself lost on the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail. A group of helpful volunteers may not be far behind.

BICYCLING THE ERIE CANAL - ALBANY, NEW YORK (2008-08-22) The high gas prices have spurred a renewed interest in biking, and has also led to increased use of New York's Erie Canal bikeway, which runs nearly continuously from Albany to Buffalo. Reporter Karen DeWitt rode part of the route, along with three expert bikeway guides.

CYCLISTS MUSCLE THROUGH TOWN - The Great Hudson Valley Pedal event is not for the faint of heart - literally. Cyclists need tremendous cardiovascular strength to pedal 200 miles from Albany to New York City in six days through strong winds and hilly terrain.

VOLUNTEERS COMING TO SCHENECTADY BIKE TRAIL - Niskayuna - Fear not if your bicycle tire gets a flat or you find yourself lost on the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail, a group of helpful volunteers may not be far behind.

CYCYLISTS TOUR HISTORY, SCENERY - From the stately Roosevelt and Vanderbilt estates to the rolling farmland of New Paltz cyclists in a traveling tour group are enjoying checking out the local sites along the way. "It's just fun," said Janet Boyer, 50, of Wilkes Barre, Penn. "The Hudson Valley corridor is beautiful."

WHEELING TO THE BIG APPLE - More than 150 bicyclists assembled Tuesday morning in a parking lot at The Sage Colleges' Albany campus before embarking on a six-day, 200-mile ride ending in Manhattan in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty.

BIKING NEW YORK'S ERIE CANALWAY TRAIL - Who needs a car to explore upstate New York? Bicyclists can pedal through 400 miles of history along the Erie Canalway Trail.


VOLUNTEERS ARE THE FIRST TRAIL AMBASSADORS - When walking or biking the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail, don’t be alarmed to see a person in a bright orange vest.

HIT THE MOHAWK-HUDSON BIKE TRAIL - Organizations behind the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail initiated a new program to enhance the pleasure of Niskayuna residents who use the trail.

PLAN TRIP ALONG CANAL WITH HELP OF WEB SITE - Parks & Trails New York, a statewide nonprofit organization, has launched a new Web site, www.ptny.org/bikecanal, dedicated to the Erie Canalway Trail, a cross-state route between Buffalo and Albany along the legendary Erie Canal.

ON-LINE TRAVELER: HUDSON RIVER VALLEY HEIGHTS - History runs deep in New York's Hudson River Valley, from Dutch settlers to modern families of the rich and famous, and the region also offers a wealth of scenery and activities to fill your next vacation trip.

INTERNET LINKS CANAL PATHWAYS -The annual cross-state bicycle tour is underway. Cycling the Erie Canal, a week-long, 400-mile excursion, began Sunday in Buffalo.

CANALWAY MAP SITE INTERACTIVE - Parks & Trails New York has launched a new Web site featuring an interactive map of the Erie Canalway Trail, stretching from Buffalo to Albany.

MISSING LINK IN BIKE TRAIL WILL REMAIN - The state has postponed indefinitely efforts to finish gaps in the 524-mile long Canalway Trail System, including a six-mile gap between Rotterdam Junction and Amsterdam.

HE JUST FOLLOWS ALONG - The red suspenders come as no surprise: The man is 85, after all. And wiry. But Daniel Benedict is also wearing spandex shorts and a bike helmet, and he’s headed for Albany at a steady 10 mph. The retired Baptist minister who lives in Marbletown is among the 575 riders pedaling their way along the Erie Canal this week.

3 GENERATIONS MAKE BIKE TREK ALONG ERIE CANAL - Bert Longbothom thought it was enough to support bicyclists heading across the state by meeting them in Collins Park with water, cookies, and directions to a movie theather.

CYCLING THE ERIE RIDERS VISIT AREA - While some of the world’s best cyclists are in Europe racing in the grueling Tour de France, recreational riders from around the country are taking part in a tour of their own and rode through the Mohawk Valley on Friday

ERIE CANAL BIKE TOUR, Capital 9 News

A 400-MILE CANALSIDE RIDE - 500 BICYCLISTS PASS THROUGH CNY ON ANNUAL TOUR - Bicyclists are receiving history lessons as they travel 400 miles along the Erie Canal this week.

ROME TO HOST ERIE CANAL BICYCLISTS - The city will welcome 500 bicyclists Thursday afternoon during their eight-day Cycling the Erie Canal tour.

ERIE CANAL: BICYCLISTS START THEIR ANNUAL TOUR - The 10th annual Cycling the Erie Canal bike tour brought 570 cyclists through the Tonawandas to Medina Tent City on Sunday afternoon on the lawns of Clifford H. Wise Middle School.

RIDERS SEE NEW YORK BY BIKE THE ERIE CANAL - Emily Rittenberg grew up in Pittsford and paid little attention to the Erie Canal running through her hometown.
Now, as one of 500 participants in this year's Cycling the Erie Canal tour, Rittenberg, 25, said she has a greater appreciation for the waterway and other parts of the state.

CYCLISTS BEGIN CROSSING STATE - The annual cross-state bicycle tour is underway. Cycling the Erie Canal, a week-long, 400-mile excursion, began Sunday in Buffalo.

BICYCLIST BEGIN UPSTATE TOUR; PLAN TO PASS THROUGH CAYUGA COUNTY - Roughly 500 bicyclists began a journey across the state Sunday in Buffalo as part of the annual Cycling the Erie Canal tour, which will come through Cayuga County on Wednesday.

HUNDREDS OF CYCLISTS TRAVERSING ERIE CANAL PATHWAYS IN ANNUAL CROSS-STATE RIDE - More than 500 cyclists from 35 states are expected to participate in a bicycle tour along the historic Erie Canal this week.

CYCLISTS TRAVERSING ERIE CANAL PATHWAYS IN ANNUAL RIDE, WNYT, Albany, NY

GROUPS RAISE EARLY SUPPORT FOR RAILS-TO-TRAILS - Proponents of turning the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad line into a multiuse trail through Orchard Park and points south are attempting to be proactive.

JUNE 2008

UNPRECEDENTED FUNDS FROM ALBANY MEAN MANY STATE PARKS WILL BE UPGRADED - ROCHESTER - The signs of long-neglected parks were clear: cabins held together with duct tape, a broken pool, 50-year-old bathrooms and caved-in roads.

TRAVELING THE CANAL WITH WHEELS, PEDALS - BICYCLIST LOVED 450-MILE ERIE WATERWAY RIDE SO MUCH, SHE'S DOING IT AGAIN THIS YEAR - C.J. Heins moved downtown from suburban Brunswick to enjoy urban life and bike to work. Heins, 55, never expected to embark on a 450-mile ride along the Erie Canal last year, but she did and enjoyed it so much she's back for a second journey. This one will mark the 10th Anniversary of Cycling the Erie Canal sponsored by Parks & Trails New York.

HIKERS CELEBRATE LOCAL TRAILS - Local hiking enthusiasts say there are plenty of reasons to take a walk in Madison County.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL TRAILS DAY IN ROCHESTER AREA - In keeping with this year's theme of "Join us On the Trail," Parks & Trails New York encourages everyone to experience the many wonderful trails in the Rochester area on National Trails Day, June 7.

MAY 2009

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.

MARCH 2009

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.

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.

JANUARY 2009

• 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

NOVEMBER 2008

GROUPS CALL ON GOVERNOR PATERSON TO FUND STATE PARK SYSTEM- Second Installment of $100 Million Needed to Continue Park and Historic Site Revitalization and Provide Economic Stimulus - More than 4,000 Postcards Received Urging Governor Paterson’s Support

SEPTEMBER 2008

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR PARK & TRAIL GROUPS

AUGUST 2008

200 CYCLISTS TAKE 6-DAY GAS-FREE VACATION - 4TH ANNUAL GREAT HUDSON VALLEY PEDAL STARTS AUGUST 12, 2008 IN ALBANY

• DAYS 1-3: ALBANY TO HYDE PARK
• DAYS 4-6: HYDE PARK TO NYC
  

JULY 2008

NEW INTERACTIVE WEBSITE MAKES IT EASY TO PLAN ERIE CANALWAY TRAIL CYCLING TRIP - Tourist attractions, lodging, bike shops featured gas-free vacations

500 CYCLISTS TAKE WEEK-LONG, GAS-FREE VACATION ALONG ERIE CANAL - listed by location below:

• BUFFALO - Starting Pt.
• MEDINA - Day 1
• ROCHESTER - Day 2
• WATERLOO/SENECA - Day 3
• SYRACUSE - Day 4
• MOHAWK VALLEY - Day 5-6
• CAPITAL DISTRICT - Day 7-8

NEW YORK'S STATE PARKS A WINNER IN STATE BUDGET - $95 million to go to park revitalization

DATES SET FOR FOURTH ANNUAL GREAT HUDSON VALLEY PEDAL BICYCLE TOUR - 200-mile bicycle tour from Albany to NYC scheduled for August 12-17, 2008

DATES SET FOR 10th ANNUAL CROSS-STATE BICYCLE TOUR ALONG ERIE CANAL - 400-mile bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany scheduled for July 6-13, 2008

SIX NEW COMMUNITIES RECEIVED TRAIL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE FROM PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK

JANUARY 2008

BUDGET HERALDS BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR STATE’S PARKS - Parks & Trails New York applauds $100 million in capital funding for state park projects in Governor’s budget

GOVERNOR'S PROPOSED $80 MILLION REINVESTMENT IN UPSTATE NEW YORK PARKS IN STATE OF UPSTATE ADDRESS COMES NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON - Years of underinvestment in our parks have resulted in looming infrastructure crisis.

PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK APPLAUDS GOVERNOR SPITZER'S SECOND STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS – Governor recognizes urgent need to invest in upstate parks, proposes $100 million investment in capital programs.

ASSISTANCE WITH TRAIL DEVELOPMENT AVAILABLE TO COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT NEW YORK STATE

PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK HONORS CITY PARKS FOUNDATION FOR IMPROVING PARKS AND REVITALIZING NEIGHBORHOODS

PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK ANNOUNCES 2007 NEW YORK GREENWAY AND COMMUNITY TRAIL AWARD WINNERS

JANUARY 2009

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.

NOVEMBER2008

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.

29 Elk Street * Albany, NY 12207 * (ph) 518-434-1583 * (fax) 518-427-0067 * ptny@ptny.org