Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) 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.
The Assembly and Senate both propose $500 million for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and, within the EPF, $4 million for the grassroots Park and Trail Partnership Grant (PTPG) program. For the popular Connect Kids to Parks program, the Assembly submits $4.5 million and the Senate proposes for $4.625 million. These numbers build upon funding increases proposed by Governor Kathy Hochul in her Executive Budget.
PTNY commends the legislature for listening to the growing number of voices championing public lands. The 130+ advocates and record 90+ organizations who participated in Park Advocacy Day on February 26 were instrumental in bringing about these proposed increases of $100 million for the EPF, $2 million for PTPG, and $1.5-$1.625 million for Connect Kids compared to the year prior.
Visitation to New York’s public lands continues to grow year after year, with State Parks hitting a record 88 million visits in 2024. Despite increasing visitation across all public lands, PTNY says environmental funding at the state level has remained static for too long. Many vital programs have failed to meet demand, with 250,000+ students denied access to Connect Kids and more than $5 million in unmet PTPG grant requests. They commend the legislature for appropriately allocating funds to the EPF and the state’s increasingly popular natural resources.
This rise in tourism has lasting impacts on local economies, with State Parks alone contributing $3.7 billion to New York’s GDP in 2021. These budget proposals recognize the impact of public lands in supporting economic growth, strengthening communities, and ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to outdoor recreation. At a time of uncertain federal environmental leadership, these proposed investments would solidify New York’s position as a national leader in conservation and outdoor equity.
PTNY will continue to fight to ensure these proposals are included in the final budget due on April 1. As champions and users of public lands, they urge Governor Hochul and legislative leaders to uphold this commitment to parks, trails, and outdoor access by securing these funding levels in the enacted budget.
Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said, “This is what true leadership looks like. Public lands are a vital public good and should be supported as such. New Yorkers know that public lands benefit local economies, the natural environment, and the health and wellbeing of all who visit. We commend the legislature, including Assemblymember Ron Kim, Senator José M. Serrano, Senator Pete Harckham, and Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick, for giving these spaces the support they deserve, especially at this precarious time.”
For more information about Parks & Trails New York, visit www.ptny.org.
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