March 16, 2022
Every year, Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) brings together trail and active transportation advocates from around the state for a day in Albany. In 2017, PTNY hosted Empire State Trail Day to advocate on behalf of a new proposal to close the gaps in the Erie Canalway Trail and build an connected trail system between New York City and the Canadian border. Nearly four years after Governor Andrew Cuomo made this proposal, the 750-mile trail between New York City and Canada and Albany and Buffalo, is now a reality. The Empire State Trail, the longest multi-use trail network in the nation, is officially complete and open to the public.
We look forward to building off the momentum of the Empire State Trail to lead efforts to develop a true statewide trail network, cementing New York's position as the nation's leader in multi-use trails. PTNY has made the difficult decision to cancel Trails Advocacy Day for 2021 but we will continue our advocacy efforts by engaging with elected officials through phone calls, emails, and letters to ensure that the State continues to invest in the future of our multi-use trails and greenways. We also encourage the general public to continue their advocacy efforts from the comfort of their homes.
During the 2020 State of the State address Governor Cuomo highlighted some of the great investments that the state has made, including the completion of the Empire State Trail. We are excited about the many initiatives he proposed to continue this work.
Read PTNY's full response to the Governor's 2020 State of the State address.
PTNY applauds Governor Cuomo and the New York State Legislature for the SFY 2021-2022 budget which acknowledges the value of our parks, trails and public lands. Despite the financial hardships the state is currently facing the budget prioritized environmental programs and the agencies that support them.
Click here to read PTNY's full response to the Governor's budget proposal.
Advocacy materials to use in your community
- Locate your State Senator and Assemblymember and remind them why multi-use trails are worth investing in. While many legislators are not accepting in-person meeting requests at this time due to concerns over coronavirus/COVID-19, we encourage you to advocate by phone, email, or letter to make sure your representatives know why you care about.
- Use these tools to do your own advocacy:
Advocacy Days require no previous experience, and all groups will be led by an experienced advocate.
How do I learn more about this initiative?
- Read more about PTNY's Trails Across New York campaign.
- Join PTNY's email list to ensure you receive all our communications regarding future advocacy efforts.
