Press Releases
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October, 2025
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Parks & Trails New York congratulates Kathy Moser on her appointment as Acting Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Kathy brings a wealth of experience, a strong conservation ethic, and a clear vision for the future of New York’s parks, greenway trails and historic sites.
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September, 2025
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PTNY Announces Launch of Landmark Economic Impact Study of the Empire State Trail
This study aims to quantify the trail’s wide-ranging economic contributions, encompassing tourism-related spending, real estate value, business recruitment, and public health benefits.
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May, 2025
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Canalway Trail System sees 4 million visits per year
The Erie Canalway and the Champlain Canalway Trails continue to receive high levels of use year after year, according to the newly released Who’s on the Trail 2024: Canalway Trail report from Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the New York State Canal Corporation (NYSCC).
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PTNY Applauds NYS for Increases to Public Lands Funding in FY26 Budget
Parks & Trails New York applauds Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature for increasing funding for New York's public lands in the finalized FY2026 budget. This expanded investment is a timely affirmation of the value parks, state forests, wildlife areas and greenway trails provide in improving the economy and health of New York State.
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March, 2025
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Parks & Trails New York Applauds Proposed Funding by State Legislature
Parks & Trails New York applauds the state legislature for recognizing the vital role public lands play in communities across New York. By proposing significant funding increases to match record public demand, the legislature is protecting our state’s treasured open spaces during a time when public lands across the nation are under threat.
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February, 2025
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PTNY Supports Nomination of Amanda Lefton as DEC Commissioner
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Nearly 100 Organizations Join Together for Park Advocacy Day
130+ New Yorkers from 90+ organizations across the state will meet in Albany on February 25, urging legislators to increase funding for critical public lands programs. Organized by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and Open Space Institute (OSI), Park Advocacy Day connects advocates from across New York with state lawmakers to give public lands a voice.
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January, 2025
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Parks & Trails New York Commends Governor Hochul's FY2026 Proposed Budget Increases
The Governor’s budget puts forward increases to critical programs that support visitation and activation of New York’s public lands, including increasing the Park & Trail Partnership Grant program by $500,000 to $2.5 million, and increasing the Connect Kids program by $500,000 to $3.5 million. Both of these programs ensure that New York’s rich, diverse parks, trails and open spaces are able to welcome and captivate a growing number of visitors each year.
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November, 2024
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45.2 new miles of greenway trail constructed across New York
A new report conducted by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the New York Office of State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) confirms that statewide greenway trail expansion continues to lead the nation, with 45.2 new miles of trail completed between January 2023 and June 2024.
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October, 2024
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State Parks Economic Impact Rivals Agriculture
A new economic impact report conducted by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), The Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), and The Natural Heritage Trust finds that the annual GDP of New York State Parks and Historic Sites amounted to $3.7 billion in 2021. This economic impact rivals that of the state’s agricultural sector, which generated $3.3 billion during the same year (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis).
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