Forest Preserve Group Calls for State Action

November 13, 2023 — Albany, NY — In a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul, 44 organizations and municipalities outlined key actions for the year ahead including requests for the 2024/25 state budgeting process to address sustainability and stewardship in the Catskill and Adirondack Forest Preserve Parks.

1. Retain $10 million in dedicated stewardship funding in the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) for the Catskill and Adirondack Forest Preserve Parks
2. Invest in Adirondack and Catskill communities, including through affordable housing, cellular and broadband, and other critical projects.
3. Maintain EPF funding for Forest Preserve visitor centers.
4. Support research and monitoring in the Adirondacks and Catskills.
5. Develop an accessibility policy for DEC-managed lands.
6. Clear land conservancy backlog to achieve climate goals.
7. Continue adding and supporting agency staff.

The signatories also applaud this year’s historic commitment to the environment, which included a $400 million EPF, and rollout of the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, Green Jobs Bond Act. The former included $8 million in dedicated stewardship funds for the Catskill and Adirondack Forest Preserve Parks, representing an impressive step toward meeting the vision outlined by the Catskill Park and Adirondack High Peaks Strategic Planning Advisory Groups (CAG and HPAG).

The full contents of the letter can be read online.

“New York State’s crown jewel—the Forest Preserve—needs funding to manage the issues of today and tomorrow. Without these resources, we risk losing the many benefits that come from public lands, including space for recreation, clean drinking water, forests to sequester carbon, and more,” said Michael Barrett, ADK Executive Director. “This $10 million investment by New York will directly support Forest Preserve communities, the millions of visitors who benefit from these lands, and our environment as a whole.”