Applications now being accepted for $1M in Grants to Improve State Parks, Trails, Historic Sites & Public Lands

NYS Parks and DEC friends groups are invited to apply

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, with support from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, announced the fifth round of competitive grants through the New York State Park and Trail Partnership Grants program, funded through the state Environmental Protection Fund.

The grants – this year doubled to $1million – are available to organizations, typically referred to as “Friends groups,” that support parks, trails, historic sites and public lands. The grant program is administered by PTNY in partnership with State Parks.

The program is designed to:

•Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, environmental education, maintenance and promotion of state parks, trails, historic sites, and public lands;

•Increase the sustainability, effectiveness, productivity, volunteerism and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain and support state parks, trails, historic sites and public lands; and

•Promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails, greenways and public lands.

“It’s inspiring to see the transformational effect of the Park and Trail Partnership Program grants and how they are enhancing the ability of ‘Friends’ groups to make an even greater contribution to the stewardship of New York’s great outdoor spaces,” PTNY Executive Director Robin Dropkin said.

“Under Gov. Cuomo, funds to support the critical work done by ‘Friends’ groups has substantially increased,” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “This improved commitment will help our partners to help make our parks, trails and historic sites even more accessible and enjoyable to the public. We value our partners and their work that these grants will support.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “We are proud to once again be a part of the NYS Park and Trail Partnership Program as it supports our ongoing efforts to connect people to New York’s unmatched natural treasures. These significant grants, supported by the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, will help our partners expand access to our many state parks, trails and forests for outdoor recreation, while highlighting the critical need to protect these special areas so they can be enjoyed by future generations.”

Applications are due Dec. 3. Grant awards are expected to be announced in March 2020.

The NYS Park and Trail Partnership Grants program is open to organizations whose mission includes the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, environmental education, maintenance, and/or promotion of a New York park, trail, historic site or public land under the jurisdiction of State Parks or the DEC.

More information about the grant program and its timeline are available at http://ptny.org/our-work/support/park-trail-partnership-program.

The Park and Trail Partnership Grants program complements Cuomo’s commitment to revitalizing and transforming the state park system through his “NY Parks 2020” plan, and connecting New York families and visitors to nature and outdoor recreation through his “Adventure NY” program.

Parks & Trails New York is New York’s leading statewide advocate for parks and trails, dedicated since 1985 to improving health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space.