Press Releases

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.

May, 2017

New Bike Friendly Certification for Canalway Trail Businesses Rolls Out

Parks & Trails New York and the New York State Canal Corporation launch new bike friendly business certification program along Canalway Trail; release initial list of certified businesses.

I Love My Park Day Celebrates New York’s State Park System

ALBANY, N.Y. – More than 125 New York State Parks, Historic Sites and public lands are hosting volunteer events today, Saturday, May 6, as part of the sixth annual I Love My Park Day. I Love My Park Day is a valuable statewide event that improves and enhances New York’s state parks, historic sites and public lands while bringing visibility to the entire state park system and its needs. More than 8,000 volunteers are expected to pitch in on cleanup, improvement, and beautification projects.

April, 2017

Volunteers Ready for Spring Cleaning on the NYS Canal System

Volunteer groups across New York State are making final preparations for the 12^th annual Canal Clean Sweep, the spring cleaning of the NYS Canal System and Canalway Trail, with most events scheduled for the upcoming weekend, April 21-23, 2017.

Health, Environment, and Recreation Groups Applaud Funding for 750-mile Empire State Trail in Final NYS Budget

ALBANY – The final New York State FY18 budget represents a major step forward for tourism, health, and recreation with the inclusion of $200 million in landmark funding to build the nation’s longest multi-use trail, the 750-mile Empire State Trail.

PTNY Applauds full funding for Empire State Trail in NYS budget

ALBANY – The New York State’s FY18 budget deal represents a major step forward for tourism, health, and recreation with the inclusion of $200 million in landmark funding to build the nation’s longest multi-use trail, the 750-mile Empire State Trail.

Volunteers Sought for Canal Clean Sweep

Volunteer groups and individuals are invited to participate in the 12^th annual Canal Clean Sweep, the spring cleaning of the NYS Canal System and Canalway Trail, scheduled for the weekend of April 21-23, 2017.

March, 2017

New Yorkers call on Legislators to Get Rolling on Empire State Trail

Outdoor enthusiasts and grassroots trail groups from across the state gather today in Albany for Empire State Trail Day, a day of legislative advocacy on behalf of Governor Cuomo’s proposal to build the nation’s longest multi-use trail.