PTNY leads formation of new coalition to fight for active transportation - NY4AT

 

PTNY continues to take the lead in advocating for multi-use trails and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure funding.  Recently, PTNY joined with the NY Bicycling Coalition (NYBC), Tri-State Transportation Campaign (TSTC) and other bicycle-pedestrian advocates to form New Yorkers for Active Transportation (NY4AT). NY4AT is a new coalition dedicated to working with stakeholders to assure equitable funding for non-motorized transportation, including complete streets, community multi-use trails, and safer and increased levels of bicycling and walking in New York's cities, villages, and towns.

 

NY4AT supports:

 

Dedicated bicycle-pedestrian infrastructure funding 

 

In a memo to the Governor's staff, NY4AT has requested:

  • a budget line in the Executive Budget dedicated to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure,
  • assurance that all or a clearly established percentage of the federal Transportation Alternatives funds will be dedicated to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

 

Inclusion of bicycling and walking in NYSDOT's Two-Year Capital Plan

 

In a letter to NYSDOT Commissioner Joan McDonald, PTNY, NYBC, and TSTC called for  NYSDOT's Two-Year Capital Plan to include walking and bicycling as part of the state's transportation system.

Erie Canalway Trail "Closing the Gaps" makes great progress

 

PTNY releases third annual report

 

Interest in completing the Erie Canalway Trail among citizens, community leaders, and local, state and federal government officials has reached an all-time high.  The third annual Closing the Gaps: A Progress Report on the Erie Canalway Trail 2012, prepared by PTNY and Canalway Trails Association New York, notes that 2012 was a year of many accomplishments:

  • 7 miles of new trail are under construction, six miles between Newark and Lyons and one mile in the City of Little Falls. Completion is slated for 2013.
  • 14.3 miles of trail will go out to bid or be under construction in 2013. 
  • The Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council has begun to define a short and long-term route for the trail through the City of Syracuse with the first priority being the creation of a short-term, on-road signed route that would accommodate pedestrians and touring cyclists. 
  • Members of Governor Cuomo's cabinet and senior staff experienced the Erie Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany as part of PTNY's 14th annual eight-day Cycling the Erie Canal event.

In 2013, PTNY and CTANY will continue to work with local, state and federal officials to overcome logistical challenges, secure funding sources, and generate broad-based support for completing the remaining 84 miles of trail gaps.

Two trail groups receive grants from PTNY

 

Two of PTNY's Healthy Trails, Healthy People communities have received grants from PTNY to further their trail development efforts.  Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. will use an award of $770 to aid in the design and production of a trail visioning poster for the western New York village of Springville to use when seeking community participation in trail planning and design. The poster will illustrate the location, appearance and design options for the proposed trail.

 

The Cuba Friends of Architecture was awarded $790 toward the cost of an interpretive trailhead sign for the Cuba section of the Genesee Valley Greenway in southern Allegany County.  The sign, which will serve as an anchor for the southernmost mile of the Greenway, will feature a map of the entire 90-mile trail as well as interpret the area's canal and railroad history. 

Become a sponsor of I Love My Park Day 2013!

 

I Love My Park Day is a chance to raise the profile of our cherished state parks and historic sites. On May 4th 2013, parks and historic sites all around the state will simultaneously work on improvement and beautification projects while connecting with their surrounding communities and boosting volunteerism.

 

Last year's I Love My Park Day was a huge success with events at 40 state parks and historic sites, over 2,000 volunteers, and press coverage in more than 50 media outlets. This year, PTNY is working to double the number of participants and we could use the support of our business leaders!

 

When your business sponsors I Love My Park Day you will be letting your customers know that you care about preserving our treasured state parks and historic sites. Plus you have an opportunity to provide hands-on volunteer and team-building opportunities for employees.

 

Businesses can take advantage of different sponsorship levels and benefits. Last year companies like REI, Chobani and Odwalla made larger statewide donations while some local businesses like nurseries and landscape designers sponsored individual events.

 

Learn more about I Love My Park Day sponsorship opportunities on our website or email Laura DiBetta.

 

Long road to recovery for parks post-Sandy

 

Although it's been well over a month since Superstorm Sandy wreaked havoc on the NYC metropolitan region, the full extent of the damage to parks and other areas is still being determined. While it will be many months, possibly  years, before parks are fully restored, cleanup efforts began immediately.

 

In the past few weeks, there has been a tremendous outpouring of support for damaged parks. Volunteers and park staff have been hard at work cleaning up New York City parks, even when their own homes may have been damaged or were still without power. Cleanups have also taken place at several state parks, including Nyack Beach State Park in Upper Nyack and FDR State Park in Yorktown.

 

As we reported, the damage was most severe at Long Island coastal parks. While Robert Moses State Park remains closed and is not expected to reopen until Memorial Day, parts of Jones Beach have re-opened to the public. Ocean Parkway, which provides access to these two beloved beaches, has been partially reopened but is in need of major repairs as entire sections were completely destroyed by the storm


PTNY is committed to ensuring parks receive the funding they need to rebuild and that restoration efforts ensure that the parks can continue in their roles as recreational, historic, cultural, and natural landmarks for New York State
. It is especially important that we restore our park system with long-term resiliency and sustainability in mind.

News from State Parks

State Parks a sustainable investment

 

Sixty organizations from across New York State agree that investing in our state park system is essential to keep people working to help grow New York's economy sustainably, boost tourism in communities across the state, and secure our parks and conservation legacy for future generations. These organizations, led by PTNY, the Alliance for New York State Parks, and Audubon New York, recently signed on to a letter urging Governor Cuomo to continue his efforts to revitalize the state park system with another round of NY Works capital funding in 2013.

  

The impacts from Sandy, along with last year's storms, have only further compounded the more than $1 billion backlog in capital needs at state parks and historic sites and reinforced the importance of restoring our park system with long-term resiliency and sustainability in mind. Investing wisely in parks infrastructure, including both natural and built infrastructure that utilize sustainable development practices, will serve as a national model for rebuilding smarter after storms and protect these treasured places and their surrounding communities from the impacts of sea level rise and future storms.

 
Read the letter
to the Governor.
 
  
 

'Tis the season

 

The holidays are a great time to visit our state parks and historic sites. With lavish decorations, candlelight tours, Victorian wreath-making, tree-lightings, bonfires and more, historic sites are transformed this time of year. State parks become winter wonderlands, with ice skating, nature discovery, winter hikes, and crafts. Why not start a new holiday tradition this year? Find an event near you

 

 

New Walkway West Pavilion opens

 

The snow didn't get in the way of the grand opening of the new 
Walkway West Pavilion at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. The new building will be used for events, merchandise sales and volunteer activities near the park's western entrance. The event also recognized donors that have supported the Walkway. 
   
 

Comments sought on draft smoking regulations

 

State Parks released its proposed smoking regulations in December, including proposed no smoking areas at each state park and historic site.  Public comments will be accepted until January 21 and can be sent to [email protected]. For more information, visit the State Parks website.

 

 

Input sought from visitors to Thacher State Park

 

Did you visit John Boyd Thacher or Thompson's Lake State Parks near Albany this year? If so, State Parks wants to hear from you. The agency is currently developing a master plan for both parks. One of the goals for the master plan is to better serve park patrons. You can help by participating in a short, confidential park visitor survey.

Thank you to our Green Partner - AT&T

 

Corporate social responsibility is integral to AT&T's culture; the company engages in many initiatives that enrich and strengthen communities. Thanks to these efforts, last year AT&T contributed $115 million through corporate, employee and AT&T Foundation giving programs and provided more than 6 million volunteer hours for community projects. For more information, visit the AT&T website.

Comment on sustainability plans     

  

Gov. Cuomo's new regional sustainability planning effort, the Cleaner, Greener Communities Program, is a $100 million competitive grant program to encourage communities to develop regional sustainable growth strategies. There are two stages of the program: in stage one, 10 regions of the state will develop comprehensive sustainability plans; in stage two, funding will be provided on a competitive basis for implementation of specific projects that help achieve the goals of the plans. PTNY is working to ensure that expanding, promoting, and protecting a network of parks, trails, and greenways is an integral part of all the regional sustainability plans.

 

Seven of the 10 regions are expected to release draft plans in December and will be accepting comments from the public. Visit our website to find your region and learn if its draft plan has been released and how to comment.  You'll also find background information and PTNY's recommendations for each of the regions. 

Grants awarded to Hudson Valley trail projects

 

In November the Hudson River Valley Greenway announced trail grants totaling $50,000 to communities and not-for-profits working to plan, develop, or enhance trails within the Greenway area.  Among the recipients:  Harlem Valley Rail Trail, Town of Stillwater, John Burroughs Association,  Hudson Crossing ParkRensselaer Plateau Alliance, and Mohonk Preserve.

 

Earthshare logo

  

Parks & Trails New York is a member of Earth Share New York, an alliance of leading nonprofit environmental organizations. For more information about workplace giving to Parks & Trails New York and Earth Share, check out www.earthshareny.org.

 

 

      DECEMBER

2012

 

Support the parks and trails you love

 

Make a tax-deductible donation to Parks & Trails New York today!

 

We can't do it without you.

 

Thank you!

 

Still looking for the perfect holiday gift?

 

Here are some ideas that are not only perfect for your family and friends but will help sustain New York's parks and trails.

 

For the bicycling enthusiast

 


  

Purchase one of PTNY's acclaimed cycling guidebooks: Cycling the Erie Canal or Cycling the Hudson ValleyOr order both for a discounted price. HOLIDAY SPECIAL: free shipping in December.

 

For the advocate

 

Give the gift of a Parks & Trails New York 

membership - it's the green gift that keeps giving year-round. 

 

TrailFinder Trail of the Month

 

Photo courtesy of Nancy Ford

Boonville Black River Canal Trail

 

Stay outdoors and stay active this winter on the Boonville Black River Canal Trail. Located north of Rome and close to the Adirondacks, this 6.25-mile trail runs along the historic Black River Canal which once connected the Erie Canal to the Black River, opening up the North Country to more commerce. The trail is close to Pixley Falls State Park

 

The trail is maintained by the Black River Environmental Improvement Association (BREIA), which also grooms the trail for cross-country skiing during the winter. On Saturdays and Sundays the Boonville Search & Rescue Squad will even loan you ski equipment at the trailhead.

 

To learn more about great trails like the Boonville Black River Canal Trail check out TrailFinder, Parks & Trails New York's interactive guide to multi-use trails throughout New York State  

 

Have you read the winter edition of PTNY's GreenSpace newsletter?

 

 

Bike tour registration opens January 2 

 

Cycling the Erie Canal

July 7-14, 2013

 

Everyone's heard about it - this is the year to be part of it.  Join PTNY for the 15th annual Cycling the Erie Canal bike tour.  Meet people from all over the world while getting to know the Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany on this 8-day, 400-mile ride.

 

Cycling the Hudson Valley

July 30-August 4, 2013

 

Experience six fabulous bridge crossings, art museums, historic riverfront mansions, wineries and more on the 9th annual Cycling the Hudson Valley bike tour, a six-day, 200-mile ride from Albany to NYC

Bicyclists Bring Business bike-a-round summary

 

Business owners, elected officials, and interested citizens met in Albion in western New York recently to explore how to better market to and profit from the Erie Canalway Trail tourist.

 

A summary of comments and observations from the evening roundtable and morning bike-a-round the village is now available. 

The bike visit comments are based on the checklists found at the back of PTNY's Bicyclists Bring Business: A Guide for Attracting Bicyclists to New York's Canal Communities.  While they are specific to Albion, anyone can use the checklists in their own community to conduct a similar audit.  

 

Growing the Grassroots Grants review underway 

 

PTNY's Growing the Grass Roots Capacity Grant program netted 36 applications for the 2012-2013 round. There are a wide variety of proposals from website updates and fundraising campaigns to volunteer recruitment tools and membership drive materials. Over the course of the next few weeks a panel will review and rate the applications and select finalists. Awards will be announced January 17th.

 

New walking/biking resource for Onondaga County 

 

Walk/Bike CNY is a new website sharing information on walking and biking opportunities in the Syracuse area.  In addition to highlighting the county's trails, the site offers tips to stay safe while walking and biking.

 

Great Adirondack Rail Trail reaches 10,000 supporters

 

Earlier this month the Adirondack Recreational Trail Advocates (ARTA) received their 10,000th signature of support to develop the proposed Great Adirondack Rail Trail between Lake Placid and Old Forge. Congratulations ARTA, and here's to 10,000 more!

 

Save the Date: Canal Clean Sweep

 

 

Mark your calendars for the 8th annual Canal Clean Sweep April 19 - 21, 2013.

 
Already planning an event? We would love to hear about it.

First Day Hikes at state parks

 

Start the new year off on the right (or the left) foot with a First Day Hike at a state park or historic site. From a seal walk to nature and animal discovery hikes, work off those holiday cookies while exploring all that our state parks have to offer. Find a hike.

 

DEC releases revised fracking regulations

 

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) filed for a 90-day extension of the rule-making process as the state works to complete a health impact study of the high-volume hydraulic fracturing process. In doing so, DEC released revisions to its proposed regulations, opening another public comment period.


PTNY submitted
comments in January 2012 calling for greater protection from hydrofracking for all public recreation lands. Written comments on these most recent revisions to the regulations will be accepted from Dec. 12, 2012 through Jan. 11, 2013

 

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