Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) applauds Governor Hochul’s proposed FY2027 budget for affirming that public lands are essential to New York’s economy, climate resilience, and the health and well-being of its residents. In a year when New Yorkers are visiting public lands at historic levels and showing widespread support for conservation, the Governor’s proposal reflects both leadership and responsiveness to the electorate.
The proposed State Parks capital plan, totaling $340 million with an additional $75 million for NY BRICKS, invests in projects that rejuvenate aging infrastructure, expand access to recreation in urban and underserved communities, and connect millions of New Yorkers to parks, trails, and historic sites. Investments, including $75 million for High Falls State Park in Rochester and $58 million for renovations at Riverbank State Park and Lake Welch in Harriman State Park, acknowledge parks as essential civic infrastructure on par with transportation, water, and public safety systems.
PTNY is also encouraged by the proposed $90 million in DEC capital funding through the Adventure NY program, which strengthens public access to state lands and supports infrastructure critical to outdoor recreation and climate resilience across 5 million acres. Keeping pace with strong public demand, however, will require growing DEC capital funding to at least $100 million in the next fiscal year.
We also applaud the Governor’s continued support for the Environmental Protection Fund, including funding that expands the Park and Trail Partnership Grant program to $2.65 million and maintains $26 million for the Municipal Parks Program and $3.8 million for Connect Kids to Parks. These programs are crucial for grassroots stewardship, expanding access to public lands, and ensuring that children from all backgrounds can enjoy the outdoors. PTNY also celebrates the Our Whole History initiative, which highlights the importance of inclusion, equity, and broad public engagement in the history of New York’s public lands.
As demand for parks, trails, and public lands continues to rise–driven by record visitation, inflationary construction costs, and growing expectations for equitable access–PTNY believes the Environmental Protection Fund must scale accordingly. Reaching $500 million in the EPF in the next fiscal year is not aspirational; it is a necessary adjustment to ensure that proven, oversubscribed programs can meet real-world demand, keep pace with use, and prevent long-term maintenance and access backlogs that ultimately cost the state more.
While the budget advances many priorities, a notable gap is the continued absence of dedicated funding for greenway trails–an area critical for connecting communities, bolstering local economies and improving recreational equity. To uncover the benefits of further investment in New York’s greenway network, in June 2026 PTNY will release a report uncovering the economic impact of the 750-mile Empire State Trail.
As outlined in PTNY’s 2026 Advocacy Priorities, we look forward to working with the Governor and Legislature to build on this proposal and continue advancing accessibility, equity, and connectivity across the state. With a new strategic plan and a growing coalition of advocates, PTNY remains a committed partner in fostering a world-class public lands system that meets the needs of today and expands access for all in the future.
Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York said, “Every day, we hear from communities working to care for a neighborhood park or complete a trail connection, and Governor Hochul’s strong stewardship of public lands reflects a real understanding of those needs. Her continued leadership, including robust support for the Environmental Protection Fund, recognizes the importance of sustained investment in these shared spaces. We’re grateful for this leadership and look forward to working with the Governor and Legislature to build on these commitments in the final budget.”