Press Releases

April, 2018

More than 100 Canal Clean Sweep Events Scheduled across New York State to Celebrate Earth Day

Volunteer groups across New York State are making final preparations for the 13th annual Canal Clean Sweep, the spring cleaning of the NYS Canal System and Canalway Trail, with most events scheduled for the upcoming weekend, April 20-22, 2018. More than 100 Clean Sweep events have been scheduled across the 524-mile-long Canal System, providing opportunities for residents to give back to their local communities and to show pride in a unique cultural and recreational resource.

Parks & Trails New York Applauds Governor Cuomo for Significant Funding for Environment and Parks

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) today praised Governor Andrew Cuomo and members of the State Legislature for their extraordinary leadership in supporting state parks and protecting clean water and other vital shared green spaces. The 2018-19 state budget agreement secures New York’s position as a national leader in the protection of natural resources, and the advancement of tourism and outdoor recreation.

March, 2018

New York State, PTNY Announce $450,000 in Grants to State Parks, Forests and Historic Site Partner Organizations

New York State and Parks & Trails New York today announced $450,000 in state grants to 21 organizations dedicated to the stewardship and promotion of New York State parks, historic sites and public lands. These dedicated groups raise private funds for capital projects, perform maintenance tasks, provide educational programming, and promote public use through hosting special events.

New Yorkers call on Legislators to Continue Historic Revitalization of State Park System

(Albany, NY) New Yorkers from across the state are coming together at the State Capitol on March 5, 2018 for the 12th annual Park Advocacy Day to urge policymakers to protect and preserve New York’s state parks. Representatives from more than 40 park Friends groups, environmental organizations, local parks, and educational organizations will make the case for state park funding. Parks & Trails New York and the Open Space Institute jointly organize Park Advocacy Day.

January, 2018

Parks & Trails New York Commends Governor Cuomo’s Investments in Parks and the Environment in the Executive Budget Proposal

ALBANY, N.Y. – Parks & Trails New York, the state’s leading nonprofit advocate for parks and trails, applauds Governor Cuomo for investing in our parks and shared green spaces in the New York State (NYS) Fiscal Year 2018-19 Executive Budget Proposal. Although changes at the federal level have made this a difficult budget year for NYS, Governor Cuomo stands by the environment and continues to make significant investments in State Parks and Historic Sites, and the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).

Parks & Trails New York Applauds Governor Cuomo’s 2018 State of the State Agenda

We commend Governor Cuomo for advancing policies in the State of the State that protect New York’s environment and provide New Yorkers with access to the outdoors, including those that the federal government has walked back on. Investing in our parks and statewide trail network and addressing climate change are priorities that Parks & Trails New York shares, as demonstrated in its 2018 Advocacy Agenda.

Registration Open for Cycle the Erie Canal 2018

ALBANY, NY – Registration is now open for Parks & Trails New York’s 20^th anniversary Cycle the Erie Canal tour, an unforgettable opportunity to bike across New York State and take in the rich history of the legendary canal that transformed America. The eight-day, 400-mile recreational bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany is scheduled for July 8-15, 2018.

October, 2017

University Research Institute Finds New York State Park System Supports $5 Billion in Sales, 54,000 jobs

A new economic impact study found that the New York State Park System and its visitors generated spending of about $5 billion, which supported nearly 54,000 jobs within the state of New York and over $2.8 billion in state GDP. The study, by the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts. was commissioned by the park advocacy group Parks & Trails New York.

September, 2017

PTNY Accepting Applications for $500,000 in Grants to Improve State Parks, Trails, Historic Sites and Public Lands

PTNY is pleased to announce the third round of $500,000 in competitive grants through the NYS Park and Trail Partnership Program funded through the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. The grants are available to organizations that support parks, trails, historic sites and public lands, and are administered by PTNY, in partnership with OPRHP.

Bicyclists Bring Business Roundtable and Bike-a-Round Events to Help Utica and the Mohawk Valley Attract Cyclists

Two events that aim to help Canalway Trail communities take advantage of the growing bicycle tourist market will be held in Utica, September 12th & 13th, in the heart of the picturesque Mohawk Valley.