More than 175 groups have launched a new coalition in an effort to protect funding for environmental programs. The programs support hundreds of thousands of jobs, protect clean drinking water, create new parks, help advance environmental justice, and work to mitigate the impacts of climate change. [Read more…] about 175 Organizations Launch Coalition for Environmental Funding
State Parks
State Parks Releases Draft Greenway Trails Plan
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has released a Draft Statewide Greenways Plan/Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) for review and public comment.
This Statewide Greenway Trails Plan provides a vision, goals and recommendations to guide future planning and development of greenway trails, including expanding greenway trails in underserved communities and improving connections between trails and other transportation modes. [Read more…] about State Parks Releases Draft Greenway Trails Plan
Fort Crailo State Historic Site Has Reopened
Crailo State Historic Site (also known formerly as Fort Crailo) on the Hudson River in Rensselaer, once the Van Rensselaer family’s fortified home, has reopened to the public.
[Read more…] about Fort Crailo State Historic Site Has Reopened
State Launches ‘Play Smart, Play Safe, Play Local’ Campaign
DEC and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) have launched PLAY SMART * PLAY SAFE * PLAY LOCAL Campaign to encourage safe, responsible and local recreation this summer.
The campaign invites people to take the pledge, and promise to use common sense to protect themselves and others when enjoying the outdoors. [Read more…] about State Launches ‘Play Smart, Play Safe, Play Local’ Campaign
241 Acres, New Trail Added to Catskill Forest Preserve
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the acquisition of 241 acres in the Catskills, including 208 acres adjoining existing Forest Preserve lands in the Bluestone Wild Forest that is expected to preserve open space and expand recreational opportunities.
The purchases of the two properties were made possible through a partnership with the Open Space Institute (OSI) and $758,000 from New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). [Read more…] about 241 Acres, New Trail Added to Catskill Forest Preserve
Comments Sought On Statewide Greenway Trails Plan
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning have announced the release of the Draft Scoping Document for the Draft Statewide Greenways Plan and Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) for public comment. [Read more…] about Comments Sought On Statewide Greenway Trails Plan
Comments Sought On State Historic Preservation Plan
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) Division for Historic Preservation have announced the release of the Draft Scoping Document for the Draft New York State Historic Preservation Plan (2021-2025) and Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) for public comment. [Read more…] about Comments Sought On State Historic Preservation Plan
State Issues Guidance On Visits to State Parks
NYS DEC and State Parks are encouraging New Yorkers to engage in responsible recreation by recreating locally, practicing physical distancing, and using common sense to protect themselves and others.
Getting outdoors to walk, jog, hike, ride a bicycle, fish, or visit a park or state lands is a healthy way to stay active, spend time with immediate household family members, and reduce stress and anxiety when practicing social distancing. While indoor spaces and restrooms at State facilities are closed, most trails, parks, grounds, and forests are open during daylight hours, seven days a week. [Read more…] about State Issues Guidance On Visits to State Parks
State Parks Adds Interpreter of African American History
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has announced that noted culinary historian, interpreter and editor Lavada Nahon has joined the Bureau of Historic Sites staff as the Interpreter of African American History. [Read more…] about State Parks Adds Interpreter of African American History
Celebrate Historic Sites With A First Day Hike
New Yorkers can greet 2020 with a choice of 85 guided hikes at state parks and public lands, including the state’s historic sites.
Now in its ninth year, the annual First Day Hikes program includes a variety of events, from hikes to fire towers in the Adirondacks/Catskills, along parts of the historic New York City drinking water system in the Hudson Valley, waterfalls in the Finger Lakes region and historic forts along the Great Lakes, and more. [Read more…] about Celebrate Historic Sites With A First Day Hike