Press Releases

October, 2015

A Broken Promise to the American People

Public lands are one of our greatest treasures. Parks & Trails New York, a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization, is stunned by the failure of Congress to renew America’s most successful land conservation and recreation program.

September, 2015

Postcards Delivered in Albany--Call on Governor to Close the Gaps in Erie Canalway Trail

Cyclists rode from Watervliet to Albany on Tuesday, September 22, riding on the Mohawk-Hudson portion of the statewide Erie Canalway Trail. As they reached the pedestrian bridge in Albany, they delivered hundreds of postcards, signed by users of the trail from across the state, urging Governor Cuomo and the legislature to Close the Gaps that remain in the trail.

Bicyclists Ride to Commemorate 200 Years of Erie Canal

On Tuesday, September 22, cyclists will ride from Watervliet to Albany to commemorate bicentennial of Erie Canal’s completion, then gather on the Maiden Lane pedestrian bridge to drop-off hundreds of postcards urging the Governor to Close the Gaps that remain in the state-wide Erie Canalway Trail. Along the way, they will ride the Mohawk-Hudson section of the Erie Canalway Trail (ECT). The ECT extends 360 miles across New York State along the historic waterway, of which 281 miles (78%) are now open to the public. When complete, it will be the longest trail of its kind in the nation and a world-class destination for cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts.

PARK(ing) Day Coming to Albany on September 18, 2015

Albany, N.Y. – On Friday, September 18, 2015 parking spaces throughout Albany will be taken over and temporarily transformed for a variety of public uses. The event is part of PARK(ing) Day, an annual, worldwide event where artists, activists, and citizens independently, yet simultaneously, turn metered parking spots into “PARK(ing)” spaces—that is, temporary public parks and other spaces for people to enjoy.

August, 2015

New Edition of Popular Erie Canalway Trail Guidebook Now Available

The outstanding bicycling and sightseeing along the legendary Erie Canal is highlighted in the newly revised edition of Cycling the Erie Canal: A guide to 400 miles of adventure and history along the Erie Canalway Trail. The guidebook, now in its fourth edition, features new sections of trail and up-to-date listings of lodgings, bike shops, and other services. The guidebook is published by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), the leading statewide advocacy organization for parks and trails, in partnership with the New York State Canal Corporation and the National Park Service Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

July, 2015

Parks & Trails New York rolls out CycletheErieCanal.com to boost bicycle tourism in NYS

CycletheErieCanal.com is a new website designed to promote cycling along the 360-mile trail that follows one of America’s most treasured waterways. Recognizing the rising popularity of cycling among baby boomers, families seeking more healthy vacation options and millennials, who often prefer bikes to cars, Parks & Trails New York is launching the new site to promote the Erie Canalway Trail as a cycling destination and bring more tourism dollars to upstate New York.

June, 2015

Parks & Trails New York Honors Park and Trail Heroes at Albany Reception

Parks & Trails New York, the leading statewide parks and trails advocacy organization, announces the winners of its biennial Park & Trail Hero Awards. The awards recognize the leadership, creativity, and donation of time, talent, and materials behind many of New York’s parks and trails.

April, 2015

New State Budget Revitalizes New York's World Class System of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites

Parks & Trails New York, a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization, commends Governor Cuomo and state legislative leaders for crafting a new state budget that will help grow the economy, promote tourism, and enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers. PTNY applauds the State Senate, led by Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Environmental Conservation Committee Chairman Thomas O’Mara, and the State Assembly, led by Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Committee Chairman Steven Englebright.

March, 2015

NEW REPORT CITES ADDITIONAL PROGRESS in “CLOSING THE GAPS” IN ERIE CANALWAY TRAIL

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the Canalway Trails Association New York (CTANY) have released their fifth annual report, Closing the Gaps: A Progress Report on the Erie Canalway Trail 2014. The report is intended to update canal corridor communities and national, state, and local decision makers on recent progress and current trail status as well as underscore the need for the resources and political support to ensure the 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail is quickly finished.

New Yorkers Call on Legistators to Continue Revitalization of State Parks System

More than 30 grassroots groups travel to Albany to support state parks - —New Yorkers from across the state are coming together at the State Capitol on March 3 for the 9th annual Park Advocacy Day to urge policymakers to protect and preserve New York’s state parks. Representatives from more than 30 park Friends groups, environmental organizations, local parks, and educational organizations will make the case for state park funding. The event comes on the heels of the unveiling of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s seven-point framework to realize NY Parks 2020, a multi-year commitment to transform state parks and invest $900 million through 2020.