Thu, May 19, 2022 3:25 p.m

Uses private and public funds to support 27 projects across New York

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced $900,000 in grants to support 27 nonprofit organizations involved in the management of state parks, trails, historic sites and public lands. The grants support the Partners Group’s efforts to raise private funds for capital projects, undertake maintenance and beautification work, provide educational programs, and promote public use of the parks by hosting special events.

“These grassroots organizations contribute tremendously to the management and programming of our state parks, historic sites, trails and public lands, and we are proud to support their efforts,” Hochul said. “Like these dedicated park partner organizations, New York State is deeply committed to public lands, with record funding for parks and conservation. I look forward to the many exciting new opportunities in the great outdoors this funding will bring as we head into the summer season.”

The Park and Trail Partnership Grants program is funded by the State Conservation Fund. The grants are managed in partnership with the non-profit advocacy group Parks & Trails New York. This seventh round of awards will be complemented with over $250,000 in private funding. The recipient of third-party funds must raise at least 10% of the grant amount received in third-party funds.

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “State Park Friends Groups and volunteers are a huge force behind the success of our park system. These grants will help harness the energy and talents of our partners to do even more to improve parks, historic sites and trails throughout New York.”

State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “The work of partners such as friend groups and nonprofit organizations is critical to improving DEC’s environmental education and programming and advancing conservation and state-land access projects. Thank you to Gov. Hochul and With the $900,000 in grants announced today, this important work can go even further to improve state lands, water bodies and amenities.”

Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York said, “As more people discover the great outdoors and our parks, trails and public lands become more frequented, the need for strong public-private partnerships has been greater than ever. The Park and Trail Partnership Grants help strengthen the role of groups of friends in these important partnerships.”

Western New York honorees include:

√ Friends of Allegany State Park ($23,400) to renovate the historic Red House Sawmill.

√ IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails ($10,000) Creation of a consultant-supported three to five year roadmap to grow and sustain the organization.

√ Niagara Post Theater ($30,379) for the renovation of the ceiling of the historic theater.

√ Old Fort Niagara Association ($75,000) to preserve two iconic, historic 18th-century redoubts.

The approved fiscal 2023 budget earmarks $2 million for the next round of Park and Trail Partnership grant funding as part of a record $400 million environmental protection fund to support mitigation and adaptation efforts that improve agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture and protect water sources, promote conservation efforts, and provide recreational opportunities for New Yorkers. In addition, the budget increased funding for the state parks by $140 million for a total of $250 million. This increase will be invested in improving and improving these areas. This level of funding will support the ongoing transformation of New York’s flagship parks and support critical infrastructure projects throughout the park system.

Parks & Trails New York is the leading nationwide advocate for New York’s parks and trails and has worked with grassroots groups for 35 years to strengthen public-private partnerships and improve the health, economy and quality of life of New Yorkers through the use and enjoyment of green spaces to improve . Visit www.ptny.org for more information.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails and boat launches that are visited by 78 million people annually. For more information about recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov, Facebook, or follow us Twitter.