State Parks and Public Lands
The New York State Park System has come a long way from just over a decade ago, when nearly 100 sites were slated for closure due to past budget cuts. This would have been a devastating outcome never before seen in the state’s history. However, due to the efforts of PTNY and our partners around the state, from that darkness has grown a stunning rebirth, as the New York Works program has invested $1.5 billion in capital funding since 2010 for critical repairs to parks from Long Island to Buffalo and in all regions in between. Park visitation has increased by more than 40 percent over the past decade to nearly 80 million visits a year, underscoring that parks and access to nature are a human necessity.
In addition to providing access to nature and places to recreate, our public lands are also vital economic drivers, boosting the state’s economy by $5 billion annually – leveraging a 9-to-1 return on the state’s investment – and creating 45,000 jobs. The park system is also integral to our climate strategies, protecting critical habitats and improving quality of life and local resilience for millions of New Yorkers.
Investing in the next century for New York’s World-Class State Park System
New York State is at a turning point, as we look to the next century of our state parks system. Our state leaders have a decision to make – do they want to once again allow our iconic system to fall into disrepair, driving away visitors and starting a downward cycle of under-utilization, leading to economic loss and negative health and environmental impacts in communities across the state? Or will we invest in the future of this world-class system, providing residents and visitors with accessible facilities, welcoming diverse users and further enhancing the livability of our communities.
PTNY’s Primary 2025 Budget Priority: Welcoming All to New York’s Revitalized, World-Class Public Lands System
Ensure Robust and Sustainable Funding for the Environmental Protection Fund
About the EPF
New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) is a key source of dedicated funding for environmental programs across the state, ranging from land conservation and outdoor recreation to clean water and farmland protection. Established in 1993, funding comes from the state’s real estate transfer tax, ensuring a consistent revenue stream for environmental priorities.
The EPF plays a crucial role in implementing New York State’s ambitious climate goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Projects funded by the EPF are increasingly aligned with the state's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, enhance public access to natural resources, and support vulnerable communities in adapting to climate change. The EPF helps fund industries that generate approximately $40 billion annually for New York’s economy and sustain hundreds of thousands of jobs across various sectors.
We stand with dozens of our coalition members in calling for a $500 million fund, an increase from $400 million in 2024. Additionally, we are adamant that EPF funding remains dedicated to programs benefiting communities across the state, rather than agency staffing (known as offloads). Ensuring the legacy of the EPF is essential for addressing environmental justice and creating healthy, vibrant, livable communities.
- Expand the Park and Trail Partnership Grants to $4 million
This competitive grant program strengthens and supports grassroots nonprofit organizations affiliated with New York State Parks (OPRHP) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Since its launch in 2015, the program has awarded $9.9 million to 245 projects across the state but remains oversubscribed, leaving $5 million in requests unmet over the last few rounds alone.
Expanding funding for the PTPG program would address urgent needs by supporting shovel-ready projects, implementing master plans, and enhancing infrastructure across New York's public lands. With over 120 Friends groups affiliated with OPRHP and DEC seeking larger awards to meet growing demands, this investment is essential to accommodate rising visitation and ensure the continued quality, accessibility, and sustainability of the state’s public lands.
- Expand the Connect Kids to Parks Program to $4 million
The Connect Kids to Parks program, launched in 2016, provides grants to schools and youth organizations, covering the cost of transportation and educational experiences at state parks and historic sites. Since its inception, the program has successfully enabled nearly 800,000 students to visit public lands, many of whom would not have otherwise had the opportunity due to rising costs of transportation and other logistical challenges. Demand for the program has grown exponentially since COVID pandemic restrictions were lifted, with applications increasing by more than 500% from 2021 to 2023. In 2024, field trip requests significantly exceeded available funds which denied more than 250,000 students the opportunity to enjoy and learn from the outdoors. A $1 million expansion of this program aligns with the state’s broader goals for education, environmental justice, accessibility, improved mental health and inclusivity.
- Establish Dedicated Funding for Greenway Trail Connections and Enhancements
Over the last 20 years, New York State has built an impressive network of multi-use trails, exemplified by the completion of the 750-mile Empire State Trail (EST) in 2020. The EST delivers significant benefits to the communities it touches, boosting local economies, encouraging outdoor recreation, and providing safe pathways for transportation and exercise. However, the EST doesn’t connect to 35 of New York’s 50 largest communities, including Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island—home to 40% of the state’s population.
To address these missed connections, we propose a $10 million annual investment to expand and enhance New York’s trail network. This funding would dedicate $8 million to build new trails and repair existing ones, and $2 million to support regional planning and prepare future projects for construction. With a focus on underserved communities, we recommend capping local matching requirements at 10% or waiving them for financially challenged areas. By prioritizing inclusivity and equity, this initiative ensures all New Yorkers can benefit from the trail network’s potential to foster healthier communities, boost local economies, and create a more connected state. Join us in urging state leaders to make this vision a reality.
- Municipal Parks Program
The Parks, Preservation, and Heritage Program (commonly referred to as the Municipal Parks Program) offers matching grants to support the planning, acquisition, and development of municipal parks and recreational facilities in local communities. Importantly, 40% of the Program’s funding is dedicated to Environmental Justice communities, ensuring equitable access to green spaces for underserved populations. We support expanding this Program’s budget to $40 million annually to meet demand for funding, which is more than $90 million. Expanding funding, while also making the application process more accessible and reducing the required match for nonprofits and municipalities, will create more local opportunities for New Yorkers to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors.
Secure Critical Capital Funding for State Agencies to Expand Access to the Outdoors
- Maintain $200 million in NY Works Funding for State Parks
Capital funding for parks is essential to revitalizing the system, addressing a substantial multi-billion-dollar backlog of critical infrastructure repairs while creating more opportunities for recreation in both urban and rural communities. Over the past decade, park visitation has surged by more than 40%, underscoring the importance of continued investment. These funds will enable the reopening of long-closed facilities, modernize historic structures to meet accessibility standards, and ensure that the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) can comply with mandates to transition its facilities to renewable energy sources. This trajectory of reinvestment is vital for preserving the value and functionality of New York's parks for future generations.
- Expand Funding for Department of Environmental Conservation
Adventure NY funding for the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has remained at $90 million annually for over a decade. This funding has been effectively utilized to address critical capital needs, including rehabilitating campgrounds, upgrading trail systems, enhancing fishing and wildlife viewing access, and developing other recreational facilities across New York’s public lands. As the DEC places greater emphasis on accessibility and fostering inclusive outdoor experiences for all New Yorkers, the time has come to expand the state’s annual investment in Adventure NY to $100 million. This increase will help meet growing demand and support the continued improvement of our shared natural spaces.