Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Submitted image
Submitted image

Applications being accepted for $1M grant program to improve state parks, trails, historic sites & public lands

Submitted

Wed, Jan 20th 2021 11:25 am

NYS Parks, DEC ‘friends groups’ invited to apply

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

Grants under the $1 million program 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 OPRHP.

The program is designed to:

√ Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, environmental education, maintenance and promotion of New York 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 a greater contribution to the stewardship of New York’s great outdoor spaces, which have proven to be even more important during the pandemic,” PTNY Executive Director Robin Dropkin said.

New York State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “This worthwhile program complements the governor’s 2021 State of the State proposals to enhance and build out New York State Parks, and reflects his commitment to our parks, and to our dedicated volunteer groups that do so much to help improve our facilities and programs across the state.”

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "At a time when getting outside can serve as a much-needed getaway from the stresses of everyday life, New Yorkers are enjoying the outdoors and our treasured natural resources more than ever before. DEC is proud to partner again this year with the NYS Park and Trail Partnership Grants program in their critical work to protect and expand access to public lands. We are grateful to the volunteers and stewards working with us to preserve and maintain these world-class trails and outdoor escapes and to Gov. Cuomo for the state's sustained commitment to the Environmental Protection Fund and other significant investments in land conservation and preservation."

Established in 2015, the program has awarded $2.7 million to strengthen parks, historic sites and public lands.

Applications are due March 11. Grant awards are expected to be announced in June.

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 state park, trail, historic site or public land under the jurisdiction of OPRHP or the DEC. More information about the grant program and its timeline are available at https://ptny.org/grants.

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

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

Hometown News

View All News