Thursday, May 19, 2022

Governor Hochul Announces $900,000 in Grants Awarded to State Parks, Trails, Historic Sites and Public Lands Partner Organization

 Waterfalls at Letchworth State Park

Leverages Private and Public Funding to Support 27 Projects Across New York


 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $900,000 in grants to support 27 not-for-profit organizations involved with stewardship of state parks, trails, historic sites and public lands. The grants support partner group efforts to raise private funds for capital projects, perform maintenance and beautification undertakings, provide educational programming, and promote public use of the parks through hosting of special events.

"These grassroots organizations add tremendous value to the stewardship and programming of our state parks, historic sites, trails and public lands, and we are proud to support their efforts," Governor Hochul said. "Like these dedicated park partner organizations, New York State is making a strong commitment to public lands, with record funding for parks and environmental protection. I look forward to the many exciting new opportunities in the great outdoors this funding will bring as we head into the summer season."

The Park and Trail Partnership Grants program is funded through the state Environmental Protection Fund. Grants are administered in partnership with the not-for-profit advocacy group Parks & Trails New York. This seventh round of awards will be matched by over $250,000 in private funds. Recipients must raise outside funding of at least 10 percent of the grant amount received.

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "State Park Friends Groups and volunteers are a huge force behind our park system's success. These grants will help leverage the energy and talents of our partners to do even more to improve parks, historic sites and trails across New York."

State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "The work of partners like friends groups and not-for-profit organizations is critical to enhance DEC's environmental education and programming and advance conservation and access projects to State lands. Thanks to Governor Hochul and the $900,000 in grants announced today, this important work can go even farther to improve State lands, waters, and facilities."

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