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GreenSpace Parks&Trails
Spring 2005 N E W Y O R K
Statewide Trails and Greenways Conference
to be held June 17-18 in New Paltz
Conference Highlights
Pre-conference, in-depth trainings in the
Universal Trail Assessment Process (UTAP) for documenting
trail accessibility; trail maintenance; grant writing; and
non-profit fund, board and organizational development.
Field trips to five exciting trail projects in the
New Paltz area to learn first-hand what others are doing
to design terrific trails, raise funds, overcome challenges,
and motivate volunteers.
Awards reception to recognize the outstanding
contributions of trail advocates across the state
A dynamic mix of talks, workshops, and
panel discussions featuring timely issues, the latest
research, implementation tools and strategies, and
Register today for Healthy Trails, Healthy Communities interesting case studies as well as opportunities for
Register now for Parks & Trails New York’s second trails and greenways networking with trail advocates from multiple disciplines.
conference, June 17 and 18, 2005, at the State University of New York at New Special keynote addresses by:
Paltz. The conference, entitled Healthy Trails, Healthy Communities, Robert Searns, Principal, The Greenway Team, Inc.
recognizes the important contribution that trails can make to individual Tom Woiwode, Director of the GreenWays Initiative
Carmella Mantello, Executive Director, Hudson River
health, quality of life and the environmental and economic health of New
Valley Greenway
York’s communities. The Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Healthy Heart
Program of the New York State Department of Health are major supporting To register or for more information,
partners for the event.
visit www.ptny.org/conference
The conference will provide greenway and trail advocates with the tools to or contact Parks & Trails New York at 518-434-1583
or ptny@ptny.org.
successfully advocate for, build, and maintain trails that provide communities
with opportunities for active living, tourism, and economic development. The
program will include ample time for networking so participants can share health care communities,” says Parks & Trails New York Executive Director
their experiences and learn from recognized leaders in the field. Robin Dropkin.
“Our hope is that the conference will strengthen and broaden the The conference is an initiative of Healthy Trails, Healthy People, a
increasingly diverse trails constituency to foster greater understanding and program of Parks & Trails New York designed to help communities become
new working relationships among the trails, planning, business, tourism, and more active through the creation of multi-use trails.
inside this issue
Annual Report Second annual Canalway Trail Celebration
Five communities selected for trail development assistance Harlem Valley Rail Trail grows by 14 miles
Push to include bike/ped projects in state Transportation Bond Act Hudson River Park - Manhattan's new riverfront jewel
Postingsfrom
Parks&Trails
N E W Y O R K
GALA
RECEPTION
HONORS
The Wiles Family received Parks & Trails New York’s Environmental Leadership Award
for its vision and leadership in revitalizing the historic Erie Canal and other New York
WILES FAMILY
State waterways.
On May 10, Parks & Trails New York presented Peter Wiles, was a pioneer in exploring and The reception and award ceremony were held
its Environmental Leadership Award to the Wiles drawing the public’s attention to the history, at the historic Lodge at Welch Allyn in beautiful
Family. The Award recognized the Family’s unflagging beauty and wide-ranging pleasures of these Skaneateles, New York. Co-Chairs of this festive
vision, leadership and efforts, which have resulted in waters. He had the vision to found Mid-Lakes event were Billy and Penny Allyn, Tom Beardsley,
lasting contributions to the environmental and Navigation in 1968, with an abandoned mail boat Curtis Feldmann, Eric Mower, Judy Mower, and
economic revitalization of the historic Erie Canal and and a dream. Working with his wife, Harriet, and Tom Ryan.
other waterways throughout the Skaneateles and later with his children — Dan, Libby, Peter, and Parks & Trails New York’s Environmental
upstate region of New York State. Sarah Wiles, and Hattie Beck-Andersen — Peter Leadership Award recognizes an individual or
For two generations, the Wiles Family has developed that dream into a reality. Today, Mid- individuals with a long and distinguished record of
been an inspiration to those who know and love Lakes serves thousands of passengers each leadership on behalf of New York’s diverse and
New York’s waterways. The Family’s late patriarch, season, and canalway tourism is booming. irreplaceable natural resources and environment.
Board & Staff News
Welcome to two new
board members
Carol Ash joins
Advisory Council Sprawl
Klara Sauer was among the founding Parks & Trails New York is pleased to without growth
members of Parks & Trails New York (at that time welcome Carol Ash to the Advisory Council. Ash,
known as New York Parks and Conservation the 2004 recipient of Parks & Trails New York’s Between 1982 and
Association). She served as Executive Director of George W. Perkins Award, is the Executive Director
the non-profit Scenic Hudson for 20 years and is of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. 1997, New York State
now a consultant to non-profit organizations and
government agencies. David Sampson experienced a 30%
Floyd Linton is Group Vice President & co-authors sprawl study
increase in developed
National Sales Manager of American Appraisals Parks & Trails New York Board member
Associates. He was a commissioner of the David Sampson co-authored a report, Open land (425,000 acres)
Long Island State Parks Commission between Space for Tomorrow: A Capital District Sprawl &
1979 and 1999, serving as chairman for seven Open Space Action Strategy. The report found while the population
of those years. that most communities are too busy reacting to
proposed development to adequately plan for grew just 2.6%.
future growth. More information: www.osiny.org
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Postingsfrom
Parks&Trails
N E W Y O R K
The newest players Parks&Trails
on the Parks & Trails
New York team
Martha Gershun, the new Director of
Development, has worked as a consultant in
fundraising and communications, and has served
E-NEWS
launched! Sign up today at www.ptny.org/e-news
nonprofit groups in staff, board, and volunteer
positions. She is thrilled to be part of Parks &
Trails New York, where the energy and dedication
Dr. Lucy Waletzky
to the environment is so inspiring. receives Parks Award
Josh Silver, a graduate student Dr. Lucy Rockefeller Waletzky is the recipient of the 2004
in the Regional Planning Governor’s Parks and Preservation Award, continuing the
Program of SUNY-Albany, distinguished Rockefeller family legacy of conservation.
is Assistant Bike Tour The award recognizes Waletsky’s contribution and dedication
Director for Cycling to preserving New York’s historic and natural resources, especially
the Erie Canal and Rockefeller State Park Preserve and other state parks throughout
the Great Hudson the Taconic region. Waletzky, a long-time supporter of Parks &
Valley Pedal. Trails New York, is Chairwoman of the Taconic Region Parks
Phil De Rita, a Commission, a member of the New York State Council of Parks, and
Communications Intern a founding Board member of the Friends of the Rockefeller State
from The College of Saint Park Preserve in Westchester. Earlier in 2004, Waletzky made a
Rose, is lending his hand in generous land donation of more than 181 acres to expand the
various publications and projects, Rockefeller State Park Preserve. The property, valued at
while he learns as much as possible about public From left to right, Phil De Rita, approximately $10 million, was a gift to the state from Rockefeller
relations and the non-profit world. Martha Gershun, Josh Silver. family members Dr. Waletzky and her uncle, David Rockefeller.
Visit our Business Partners
located along some of the best trails in the state
A White Rose Bed & Breakfast Bronx River Bicycle Works To find out how to become
near the Canalway Trail in Fort Plain near the Bronx River Pathway
315-993-3339 in Mt. Vernon a Parks & Trails New York
914-667-7417
Adams Basin Inn Business Partner and
near the Canal Heritage Trail Camp Waubeeka
in Spencerport Family Campground be listed on our website
585-352-3999 near the Harlem Valley Rail Trail
518-329-4681 and publications, contact
Advance Cyclery
Margaret McGivern
near the Onondaga Lake Hambleton House Bed &
Loop Bike Path in Syracuse Breakfast @ 518-434-1583 or
315-449-2453 near the Erie Canal Heritage
Trail in Lockport mmcgivern@ptny.org.
716-439-9507
3
Postingsfrom
Parks&Trails
N E W Y O R K
Healthy Trails, Healthy People
Helping communities become more active through the creation of multi-use trails
Five additional communities selected to receive trail development assistance
Parks & Trails New York has selected five additional communities to receive trail development assistance as part of its five-year Healthy Trails, Healthy People program.
The program, funded in part by a grant from the Healthy Heart Program of the New York State Department of Health, is aimed at helping New Yorkers develop more active
communities and an enhanced quality of life through the creation of multi-use trails.
“Our intent is to build the vision, constituencies and local commitment that are critical to the long-term success of trail projects. The ultimate goal is getting trails
built, because research has shown that where people have access to trails, they’re generally more physically active,” says Parks & Trails New York Executive Director
Robin Dropkin.
Selected projects
1 Enchanted Forest
Pathway — NYC
The West Harlem Arts Fund is working to build
Rushville’s Main Street to a rural road in the Town
of Gorham. The community envisions an historic
and scenic trail along the West River that will serve
several local schools, senior housing complexes,
and a community college, as well as connect with
the existing 3.5-mile Jim Schug Trail that runs
as a recreational getaway destination for local between the Village of Dryden and a town park on
community and governmental support for site and
residents who presently have no public recreation Dryden Lake.
access improvements to the northernmost portion
areas within easy access.
of Riverside Park on Manhattan’s west side. The
neighborhood-based non-profit organization
obtained a grant from the Department of State to 4 Freeville-Dryden Trail —
Tompkins County
5 Little Ausable River Trail
— Clinton County
Residents of the Town of Peru in Clinton
study possibilities for making the park a more For many years, the Town of Dryden has County plan to develop a 3.5-mile trail using
integral and beneficial part of the neighborhood. intended to develop a trail on a 2.8-mile section of former rail bed and the scenic banks of the
One of the three significant enhancements former rail bed that links the Tompkins County Ausable River. The trail will link Peru’s three
proposed by the study was restoration of the villages of Freeville and Dryden. However, because existing parks, the village center, the central
original Riverside Drive esplanade to the of multiple issues, including landowner concerns, school, and an historic mill site. The community
landscape plan designed by the firm of Frederic only recently has the town been able to begin work is seeking Parks & Trails New York’s help with
Law Olmsted. on the project and utilize the federal routing issues, landowner agreements, design and
2 Chenango Riverwalk
and Hosbach Trail —
Chenango County
Transportation Enhancements funds that it was
awarded in 1996. The trail will pass close to
construction, and mobilization of community
support.
The City of Norwich in central New York has a
budding initiative to create new public access along
the Chenango River. The Christian Neighborhood
Center of Norwich, a church-based community
service organization that hosts an AmeriCorps
program, has partnered with a community
residents’ group to form a trail committee. The
proposed trail could connect with other trails
established along the route of the former Chenango
Canal between Binghamton and Utica. West Harlem Arts
3 West— Ontario County
Fund director Savona
River/Lehigh Valley Bailey McClain. (left)
Trail and colleague envision
a restored Enchanted
The Town of Gorham and Village of Rushville
Forest Pathway in a
are working together to open 1.1 miles of former revitalized Riverside
rail bed as a trail that would extend from Park North.
4
Postingsfrom
Parks&Trails
N E W Y O R K
Healthy Trails, Healthy People
How to apply to become a Healthy On-going Community Assistance
Trails, Healthy People community Parks &Trails New York staff also continue to provide assistance to the five
communities selected in the initial year of the program. These projects
Parks & Trails New York is presently working with 10 communities to include: Delhi River Walk in Delaware County, D&H Rail Trail in Albany
help them develop multi-use trails as part of the Healthy Trails, Healthy County, Long Island Motor Parkway Trail in Long Island, and Salisbury-
People program. Dolgeville Greenway in Herkimer County. Each of the trail projects has
Applications are now being accepted for 2006. progressed at different rates, illustrating well the complexities associated with
Application forms and more information taking a trail project from initial idea to completion. To find out more about
about the Healthy Trails, Healthy People the progress of these trail projects, including a new “Suggestions for Next
program can be found on the Parks & Steps” report on the Delhi River Walk, visit www.ptny.org
Trails New York website,
Former Motor Parkway
www.ptny.org, or by on Long Island has strong trail potential
calling Parks & Trails
As part of its Healthy Trails, Healthy People program, Parks & Trails New
New York. Deadline
York is continuing its efforts to build a constituency for the Long Island Motor
for submitting Parkway Trail in Nassau County and ensure that the trail corridor is included in
applications is the soon-to-be- released Long Island Non-Motorized Transportation Study.
November 18, 2005. Parks & Trails New York is supporting efforts to get portions of the proposed
trail corridor included in Nassau County’s $50 million Environmental Bond Act.
PTNY’S
ADVOCACY
AGENDA
$150 million slated for To stay informed on critical issues NYS bill seeks to broaden
state Environmental affecting parks and trails in New York, trail funding options
Protection Fund sign up to receive electronic updates at Parks and Trails New York and the New York
Thanks to advocacy on the part of Friends of www.ptny.org/e-news. Bicycling Coalition are advocating for a bill that
would explicitly allow certain state highway
New York’s Environment — a coalition of more $5,000 from the EPF, but received another $10 monies, known as Marchiselli or CHIPS funds, to
than 100 environmental and conservation million from non-EPF sources in this year’s be used for bicycle and pedestrian projects,
organizations in New York, including Parks & Trails budget (see story on page 13). including pathways.
New York — the State’s FY2005-2006 budget
New York still lags behind national Marchiselli funding was established to help
includes $150 million for the Environmental
average in environmental spending local communities meet the required 20% local
Protection Fund (EPF). This represents $25 million
Although the increased funding for the EPF is share for federal bridge and highway funding on
more than last year for the EPF, which is funded
a great step forward, it’s still not enough. Actual facilities that are not part of the designated state
through Real Estate Transfer Fees.
spending on the environment in the state, as highway system. The current law does not
The projects that benefit from the final
tracked by the Comptroller’s office, declined prohibit the use of these funds for bicycle or
adopted budget include clean water, open space,
from 2001 through 2004 from 1.6 cents per pedestrian paths and, in fact, several trail projects
working farms, parks, and land stewardship. The
dollar of total spending to 1.2 cents per dollar. have been completed with these funds. However,
municipal parks program, administered by the
This year’s budget will start what Friends of New the language is ambiguous. Local officials are
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
York’s Environment hopes will be a new trend to often unaware of this option, and DOT officials
Preservation, received more than $14 million.
EPF funding for this important local park increase overall environmental funding in New are typically conservative in suggesting its use.
York toward the goal of the national average, or 2 The proposed amendment would clarify the
program has doubled over the last five years. New
cents per dollar. language and empower local officials to include
York City’s Hudson River Park received only
continued on page 6
5
PTNY’S
ADVOCACY
AGENDA
continued from page 5
valuable bicycle and pedestrian projects such as
shared-use paths in their priority requests for local
assistance.
Assemblyman Hoyt and Senator Libous are
WashingtonWatch
championing the bill.
To read the assembly bill language, visit
Key federal funding source Of concern to Parks & Trails New York is
that the Senate Committee on Environment and
www.assembly.state.ny.us and search for bill A2398. for parks and trails Public Works failed to undo the weakening of an
eliminated from budget important protection for parks and public open
Effort mounted to include A key federal funding source for parks and
spaces, known as Section 4(f). This section of
the Transportation Act was passed in the 1960’s
bike/ped projects in proposed trails in New York — the stateside Land & Water
Conservation Fund (LWCF) — was eliminated in
to send the unequivocal message to bridge and
state Transportation Bond Act President Bush’s proposed federal budget. The
highway planners that public parks and
preserves were not to be easy targets for road
The New York State Legislature has begun the stateside LWCF program provides matching
process of shaping legislation that will detail a construction simply because they were in public
grants to states and local governments for the
November ballot measure asking voters to approve ownership. It required that all ‘prudent and
acquisition and development of public outdoor
a 2.9 billion Transportation Bond Act. Parks and feasible alternatives’ be explored before
recreation areas and facilities.
Trails New York is working with the New York approving a project on such land and if none
LWCF, created in 1964, funds park
Bicycling Coalition to persuade the Legislature to were available then ‘all possible planning to
acquisition and improvements using federal
include projects for bicyclists and pedestrians, minimize harm’ be carried out.
offshore drilling fees. LWCF devotes a portion of
including trails, in the mix of projects that will The Senate Bill amends this historic
revenue to federal projects and a portion to state
receive funding. protection with language allowing the Secretary
projects. Since the Fund’s inception nearly four
While transportation officials and lobby groups of Transportation to make exceptions where
decades ago, more than $200 million has been
are focused primarily on deferred maintenance and ‘minimal’ harm to these resources will occur.
invested for 1,100 local and state projects across
rehabilitation needs for the state’s bridges, The bill designates the National Environmental
New York, helping to acquire precious open
highways, and transit systems, Parks & Trails New Protection Act (NEPA), with which the U.S.
space and improve park facilities, including
York and the Bicycling Coalition are concerned Department of Transportation is already
several important greenway corridors. The
about another deficit in our state’s transportation required to abide, as the guiding process for this
spending. For too long, state transportation stateside funding dried up in 1996, but was
determination. A ‘concurrence’ or agreement by
engineers have viewed roads and the federal reinvigorated over the last few years.
‘officials’ with jurisdiction over the park or
highway money to build them as the exclusive For a list of park and trail projects funded by
preserve in question is also required.
domain of automobiles. While this culture has the stateside LWCF by state and county, visit
Parks & Trails New York’s issues with the
begun to change, decades of resistance have www.ncrc.nps.gov/lwcf
Senate Bill are threefold. First, there is no proven
resulted in a huge under-investment in bicycle and need to amend the current protective language.
pedestrian facilities. TEA-3 bill nearing passage Other factors, such as inadequate funding, create
An effective and diverse transportation network
must include pedestrian and cyclist facilities, — park protection a concern the majority of highway project delays. Second,
the Senate’s language does not create sufficient
including shared-use paths/trails. In an age of “TEA” legislation that authorizes federal
accountability for any decision to override
epidemic obesity rates among our children, highway spending, including spending on trails
Section 4(f). It is unclear what constitutes an
investments in the facilities that will make more through programs such as Transportation
active daily lifestyles easier and safer are key. official and the agreement does not require a
Enhancements, stands a good chance of being
Parks and Trails New York and the New York written ‘concurrence.’ This provision leaves the
approved this summer. The current highways
Bicycling Coalition will work to convince legislators door open to back room deals. Congress is
program law, TEA-21, was extended during last
and key stakeholder organizations to support the actively seeking to re-write and ‘streamline’ NEPA
year’s session to May 31st of this year. Other than
inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the by shortening public comment periods and other
changes in spending authorization, the language
list of priority projects listed as part of the Bond Act changes that will weaken its protections. Reliance
of the bills in both houses is essentially identical
legislation, as well as to include these projects as on a weaker NEPA is not an adequate substitute
to last year.
eligible for a portion of funds not devoted to for Section 4(f).
specific projects.
6
Canalway Trail
Come celebrate the progress of the Canalway Trail at the
2ND ANNUAL second annual Canalway Trail Celebration for National Trails
Day, Saturday, June 4. The Erie Canalway Trail is well over two-
thirds complete, plus many miles of older trail have been
CANALWAY rehabilitated. In the last year another 6 miles of trail have been
TRAIL completed in the Utica area and four new projects are currently
under construction that will add more than 40 miles of new and
CELEBRATION rehabilitated trail to the system.
To highlight this historic momentum, Parks & Trails New
York, the New York State Canal Corporation and the Canalway
Trails Association of New York are organizing the Celebration.
Events scheduled statewide
Canalway Trail Celebration events this year will encourage
for National people to get out on the trail. Some of these events will include
history or nature walks, group bicycling rides, trail cleanups,
Trails Day “discover the trail” treasure hunts, ribbon cuttings,
groundbreakings, and more.
June 4 Event Sponsor:
National Park Service
Erie Canalway
National Heritage Corridor
To find an event near you, visit Volunteers helped patch the surface of the Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway
www.ptny.org/canalway/celebration.html. portion of the Canalway Trail at last year’s Canalway Trail Celebration.
Local trails connect to Canalway Trail spine
As the Erie Canalway Trail rapidly moves toward completion, it is becoming the spine in a network of local trails.
Rochester Area Trail
A completed trail in Henrietta and Brighton, near Rochester, connects parts of an existing trail system and provides a link to a trail that continues
on to the Erie Canalway Trail.
Lehigh Valley Muli-Use Trail
The $1.4 million Lehigh Valley Railroad Multi-Use Trail project comes after many years of discussions about how the corridor, which once carried
the Lehigh Valley Railroad, could best serve local communities. A decade ago, the towns opposed a proposal to develop a road or light rail system on the
property. A recent report by the Genesee Transportation Council indicating that the corridor held good trail potential inspired the towns to undertake the
rail-trail project.
Historic Towpath Trail Spur and loop
In eastern New York, the Town of Halfmoon in Saratoga County is embarking on a trail
project that will follow the historic Erie Canal Towpath on the north side of the Mohawk River.
trails that connect
When connected with trails in six surrounding communities, the Halfmoon trail will allow communities to the Canalway
hikers and bicyclists to travel off-road from Schenectady to Waterford, and connect to the Trail system have always
Champlain Canalway Trail.
Although highly popular, the project is not without controversy. In some places, the proposed
been part of the vision for
trail route runs close to private homes and canal boat docks. At a public meeting in March, residents the Canalway Trail
voiced concerns about security, litter, liability, traffic, parking and dock privileges—all issues that can
be addressed with proper design and management.
7
PTNY 2004 ANNUAL REPORT Program Highlights from Fiscal Y
Healthy Trails, Healthy People
Parks & Trails New York is the statewide leader in creating and protecting a growing network of community trails. Last year, Parks & Trails
New York was one of only a handful of organizations selected to receive a multi-year grant from the NYS Department of Health to help
communities become more physically active through the creation and promotion of multi-use trails. As part of this program, Parks & Trails
New York will work with up to seven new communities each year over five years on trail development.
▲
Five new trail projects were selected last year — in Albany, Delaware, Erie, Herkimer, and Nassau counties.
National Park Service
Rivers and Trails Partnership
Parks & Trails New York helped numerous communities plan and build trails under this innovative partnership program. Last year’s
projects included work on the Binghamton Waterfront Trail connecting parks and the downtown business district and a 740-mile water trail
between Old Forge and Plattsburgh.
Fighting for Green Space
Protecting Parkland
In our cities, in the Hudson Valley, and in a growing number of areas around the state, parkland is threatened by development pressures.
Parks & Trails New York has spoken out strongly and organized communities to fight the “alienation” or elimination of critical green spaces.
Fighting Cuts in State and Federal Funding for the Environment
Parks & Trails New York participated in a coalition of more than 75 environmental and conservation organizations to ensure that the final
2004-2005 NYS budget included at least $125 million for the Environmental Protection Fund, which funds open space, parks, recycling, and
solid waste programs.
Both the Land & Water Conservation Fund and the Transportation Efficiency Act for the Twenty-First Century (TEA-21) were threatened
with cuts last year. When federal legislators proposed to eliminate funding for the TEA-21 Transportation Enhancements Program, Parks &
Trails New York spearheaded the effort in New York State to save this crucial trail funding source.
Canal Corridor and Trails
Since 1998, Parks & Trails New York has been working in partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation to help communities plan and
develop the Canalway Trail, a 524-mile multi-use trail to parallel the historic New York canal system.
Parks & Trails New York’s years of effort on behalf of the Erie Canalway Trail have produced wonderful results: last spring, another 27
miles of trail opened, and more miles are under construction.
Working with the NYS Canal Corporation and with support from the National Park Service Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and
the Noteworthy Co., Parks & Trails New York organized a series of National Trails Day events on the Erie Canalway Trail in more than 20 canal
communities.
▲
Bronx residents
protested when
construction of
a water filtration
plant threatened
parkland.
photo credit:
Gary Pang/
Norwood News
8
Year July 1, 2003 – June 30, 2004
PTNY 2004 ANNUAL REPORT
The 2004 Cycling the Erie Canal bike tour was even more successful than in previous years: it drew more riders, from more locations, and
garnered more media attention. About 500 cyclists from 35 states and three continents participated. Our oldest cyclist was 82 and our youngest
two, and all the major upstate papers, and TV stations covered the event.
Our Premier State Sponsor was the NYS Canal Corporation and our Heritage Sponsor was the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
In addition, Parks & Trails New York welcomed HSBC USA as our newest Champion Corporate Sponsor and CSEA as our newest Supporting
Sponsor. Other sponsors included Niagara Mohawk, Delphi Automotive, Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, the Healthcare Association of
NYS, Nextel, and I LOVE NY.
Building a Stronger
and More Effective Organization
Publications
▲
Getting Started – A Guide to Planning Trails in New York State, a comprehensive, user-friendly guide to establishing trails and greenways
accessible to all; and
▲
Cycling the Erie Canal: A guide to 400 miles of adventure and history along the Erie Canalway Trail, including detailed maps,
information on cultural activities and natural and historic attractions, and suggestions about lodging and restaurants.
Development of this essential guide would not have been possible without the contributions of many individuals and organizations,
including the New York State Canal Corporation, New York State Council on the Arts, Business Council of New York State, Inc., New York State
Department of Health, Health Research, Inc., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A special thank you goes to New York State
Senator George D. Maziarz, New York’s “Canal Senator.”
Award Receptions
The George W. Perkins Award was presented to Arthur Savage, long-time Parks & Trails New York Board member, for his tremendous
dedication to conservation, especially in the Adirondacks.
The Parks & Trails New York Environmental Leadership Award was presented to Edward (Ted) Curtis, a dedicated promoter of the Erie
Canal and Genesee River.
Members and Donors Agree — We’re On the Right Track
If membership and financial contribution figures are any indication, we are definitely on the right track. More than 800 new members
have joined Parks & Trails New York since the beginning of 2003. In addition, we have seen a steady increase in donors in the last few years,
almost tripling that number between 1999 and 2003. And our funding from EarthShare’s workplace giving campaigns has also increased
during the same period, indicating expanded awareness of Parks & Trails New York and of our work.
We also wish to thank the Harriet Ford Dickenson Foundation and the Walbridge Fund for their continued and generous support. Major
funding from the New York State Canal Corporation continued to support our core programs.
THANK YOU!
Programs
Financial Statement Statement of Activities for the year ended June 30, 2004 85.0%
Management & General
3.9%
Support and Revenue Expenses (continued)
Individual contributions $ 94,932 Supporting services Fundraising
Grants 382,347 Management and general $ 26,110 10.9%
Corporate contributions 41,264 Fundraising 71,804
Special events 61,470 Total supporting services $ 97,914
Program revenue 215,868
Other 270 Total expenses $ 652,774
Total support and revenue $ 796,151
Net Assets
Expenses Change in net assets $ 143,377
Program services Net assets, beginning of year 185,084
Conservation $ 430,830 Net assets (deficit), end of year $ 328,461
Public education 84,862
Membership 39,168 A copy of our most recent audited financial statement
Total program services $ 554,860 is available upon request by contacting the PTNY office
Analysis of 2004 Expenses
9
GREENWAYS & RAIL TRAILS AROUND THE STATE
14 miles to be added Ulster County municipalities
to Harlem Valley Rail-Trail envision regional trail system
The Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association has reached an agreement to Half a dozen towns in Ulster County in the Hudson Valley are exploring the
acquire 14 miles of abandoned railroad bed in Columbia County for inclusion potential for a regional system of trails. The vision of the Southern Ulster
in the Harlem Valley Rail-Trail. While many smaller parcels along the route Alliance (SUA) is to use on- and off-road trails to link their population
remain in private hands, the trail could eventually stretch 46 miles from centers, recreational open spaces, and tourist destinations. The study, by Civil
Chatham to the Metro-North Railroad station at Wassaic. The acquisition Technologies and Engineering, PE, of Wappinger Falls, is being carried out
marks a sea change for the Rail-Trail Association because the non-profit through a grant provided by the Hudson River Valley Greenway.
organization, with 700 members, has not previously owned any land. Several of the communities have existing shared-use path corridors
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to help stabilize the land base for (Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in New Paltz and Gardiner and the Hudson Valley
what could be one of the premier recreational trails in the northeast,” said Rail Trail in Lloyd). These two corridors will serve as backbones to the
Dan Haas, one of the Association’s founding members. system, especially when they are linked together. Additional potential trail
Presently, two sections of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, comprising destinations and resources within the region include the Marlboro Mountains
approximately 12 miles, are open in Dutchess and Columbia Counties. In ridgeline, where there is potential to acquire open space, the Hudson and
Dutchess County, the trail is owned by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Wallkill rivers, and a spectacular old railroad bridge that might one day be
Historic Preservation and managed by the County. In Columbia County, a four- resurrected into a new dedicated path for cyclists and pedestrians at a height
mile section of trail is open as part of Taconic State Park. of over 300 feet above the Hudson River.
More information: www.hvrt.org The communities hope the trail network will draw more tourists to the
local concentration of vineyards and orchards in the region, as well as
provide outdoor recreation alternatives for the increasingly large numbers of
visitors to the Mohonk, Minnewaska, and Sam’s Point preserves along the
Shawangunk Ridge. This potential will be reinforced when the Hudson Valley
Rail Trail is extended to meet the existing walkway on the F.D.R. Memorial
Bridge, and is thereby tied to the City of Poughkeepsie railroad link to New
York City.
The Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association is acquiring 14 miles of
abandoned railroad bed in Columbia County for inclusion in the
Harlem Valley Rail-Trail.
The Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Lloyd will be part of the regional
system of trails envisioned by the Southern Ulster Alliance.
Kudos to Hudson River
Valley Greenway for national “Partnership Award”
The Hudson River Valley Greenway received the prestigious “Partnership Award” for its Draft Greenway Trail Vision
Plan from the national non-profit American Trails. The Greenway worked with state and local agencies and officials, trail
organizations, county planners, and the public over a two year period to put the Draft Greenway Trail Vision Plan together.
For more information on the Hudson River Valley Greenway: www.hudsongreenway.state.ny.us
10
GREENWAYS & RAIL TRAILS AROUND THE STATE
New section of Catskill Scenic Trail shared By Phil DeRita
with underground water and sewage lines
Thanks to a new 5.5-mile section of rail-trail in the southern Catskills, the Ride, which runs from Arkville to Halcottsville and Roxbury. The new section
Town of Roxbury has a way to pipe wastewater, the Town of Grand Gorge has of trail was engineered so that it could support train travel, in the hopes that
a conduit for fresh water, and local citizens and visitors have a great new the tourist railroad will one day be extended.
recreational resource.
The new section of the 25-mile Catskill Scenic Trail came about through
Controlling ATV use
an unforeseen set of circumstances. The area is part of the Catskill watershed, Permitted uses on the Catskill Scenic Trail include hiking, biking, cross
which provides much of New York City’s drinking water. The City’s Department country skiing, horseback riding, and snowmobiling. ATVs are not permitted,
of Environmental Protection (DEP), which owns and manages the reservoirs and illegal use of ATVs is actively pursued and prosecuted.
in the watershed, had built a large-capacity wastewater treatment plant in Riordan maintains that persistence and building relationships with
Grand Gorge. However, Roxbury had no way to get its wastewater to Grand neighbors are key to keeping ATV use under control. “The State Police and
Gorge. Grand Gorge, on the other hand, did not have a good source of fresh local Sheriff Department have been very helpful in pursuing and prosecuting
water and had been under a boil-water order for years. ATVers,” he says.
According to Riordan, trail neighbors have a real sense of ownership of
Dual pipeline solves problems the trail and often do maintenance chores such as mowing. The services of
Putting a water line and a wastewater line under the trail right-of-way local college students from SUNY-Delhi and SUNY-Oneonta are frequently
solved both problems, plus created a first-class section of trail. Trail manager used to maintain the trail.
Dave Riordan, the Executive Director of the non-profit Catskill Revitalization More information: www.durr.org
Corporation, which owns the trail, calls it the “sweetest piece of rail-trail on
the East Coast.”
The Catskill Scenic Trail lies on top of the former rail bed of the Ulster Horseback riding
and Delaware Railroad. Development of the new trail section necessitated is amongst the
permitted uses
removal of 15,000 railroad ties and their disposal in an environmentally
on the Catskill
responsible fashion at a cost of $15 per tie. Drainage was re-established, Scenic Trail.
maintaining the historic stonework and stone walls that run along the former
railroad.
The development of a trail doesn’t mean that there isn’t the possibility of
another train chugging through. The Catskill Revitalization Corporation also
owns, operates, and maintains a tourist railroad, the Delaware & Ulster Rail
Greenway Grows in Brooklyn
The initial plan for the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, released in
February by the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Initiative and the Regional
Bikeway planned along
Plan Association, calls for 14 miles of parks and bike paths around the Coney Island boardwalk
borough’s waterfront. By Dave Lutz, Executive Director,
A public planning workshop in November, sponsored by Brooklyn Neighborhood Open Space Coalition
Borough President Marty Markowitz and the two planning groups, elicited Old-timers remember Coney Island as wall to wall beach blankets
many public comments about priorities for the plan, as well as concerns and rented umbrellas. The “subway beach” was notable for its
about whether the proposed route of the Greenway was close enough to the dense crowds, the acrobatics of its more athletic constituency, and
actual waterfront. the quality of the sand castle architecture of those that were not
Planning for the Greenway is complicated by the fact that property along building bodies. All that has changed in the air-conditioned,
the Brooklyn waterfront is controlled by numerous city agencies and many automotive age. The crowds are now scattered enough that the
private owners, a stark contrast to Manhattan’s Hudson River Park, where Parks Department has found room to put playgrounds and
one owner controls the entire five miles. artificial palm trees into the sand. And now they plan to relieve
Some portions of the Greenway have already been dedicated, and some pedestrian congestion on the historic Boardwalk by adding a
design funding has been secured by Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez. In concrete greenway in the sand, like the ones on California
addition, she has submitted $12.4 million in appropriation requests for the beaches. In Brooklyn? Waddya make of dat?
Brooklyn waterfront.
11
ParksCorner
County Parks News
$18 million plan Westchester County park
for Nassau County parks friends group kicks off
Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi recently announced an $18 Pennies for
million plan to fix Nassau County’s degenerating park system. The plan calls
for rehabilitating, reorganizing and restructuring the Nassau County Parks Parks
System, which has suffered from more than a decade of neglect and Westchester touts one of the finest
mismanagement. county park systems in the country,
More information: www.co.nassau.ny.us/parks
with over 50 parks (including some
great multi-use trails) totaling more
Nassau County Citizen’s Guide than 17,000 acres. The Westchester
to Government and the Environment County Parks Department’s success in
A new “how to” resource, Nassau County Citizen’s maintaining this top-notch park
Guide to Government and the Environment is available
system has been bolstered by the
from the New York League of Conservation Voters
existence of the Friends of
to help Nassau County citizens get involved
in environmental issues. Westchester Parks, Inc. After 25 years
Visit www.nylcv.org. of dedication to parks, the non-profit
The South County Bikeway
group has recently kicked off a major
is part of the Westchester
Dutchess County fundraising campaign, Pennies for
Parks, and created a new website.
County Park System.
teams up with state To learn more, visit
to create waterfront park www.friendsofwestchesterparks.com.
An agreement between the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation and Dutchess County will create a new park along the Hudson
River in Poughkeepsie. The 27-acre parcel, to be known as Quiet Cove
Riverfront Park, will be developed on the waterfront portion of the Hudson
Erie County parks close
Erie County’s layoff of 2,000 employees in March to alleviate an $108
River Psychiatric Center. The NYS Office of Mental Health, which runs the
million budget deficit had dire consequences for the County’s parks and green
Center, transferred the parcel to State Parks. Under the terms of the
spaces; all 12 county parks and golf courses closed. However, pressure from
agreement, the state will maintain ownership of the land and oversee the
the public caused the County to re-open many of the parks in May.
conversion of the property to a riverfront park by Dutchess County.
High Line exhibit at MOMA
The High Line is a 1.5-mile, elevated railway that runs along the West Side of Manhattan. A non-profit group, the Friends of the High Line, has
been very successfully advocating for the rail viaduct to become an aerial greenway – a one-of-a-kind recreational amenity that can be enjoyed by all
residents and visitors in New York City.
An exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC presents preliminary plans for the High Line by the team selected to design the future public
promenade. Comprising a series of gardens in the form of pits, plains, bridges, mounds, ramps, and flyovers situated along the twenty-two-block
expanse, the design project aims to create and preserve experiences of slowness, otherworldliness, and distraction, according to the designers. The
exhibit runs to October 31. More information: www.thehighline.org
More Parks Corner on page 15
12
Hudson River Park
Manhattan’s new riverfront “jewel”
By Charles “Trip” Dorkey, III
Trip Dorkey is Chairman
of the Hudson River Park
and a Trustee of Parks
& Trails New York
The new “jewel” on the Hudson
River is Manhattan’s Hudson River
Park. The Park is a joint project
between New York State and New
York City to create a world-class The
park along five miles of Greenwich
Manhattan’s shoreline, from Battery Village
Park to 59th Street. section
Including the river area of Hudson
between the piers, Hudson River River Park
Park will add over 550 acres of
open space to New York City. With
substantial portions already
complete and others currently
under construction, the finished
Hudson River Park will include recreational piers, decided something had to be done to revitalize New York City’s
sports fields, balconies and other places that provide waterfront. With the creation of the Hudson River Park Trust
access to the water for swimming, fishing and boating. and the help of the City and many community groups, the
The water portion of Hudson River Park has been governer has been able to do just that.
designated a marine sanctuary.
In total the funds necessary to build the Park amount Bike Path First Amenity
to approximately $400 million dollars. Both the City and the State have The park’s first amenity was its bike and jogging path. The five-mile
pledged $200 million dollars; each has provided $100 million to date. Just pathway runs the entire length of the park and is equipped with stop lights
recently, however, the state facilitated more funds to help complete the and a yellow line down the middle to separate joggers, rollerbladers, and
construction of the Park when Governor George E. Pataki announced in March cyclists traveling in opposite directions.
an award of an additional $10 million dollars in Port Authority of New York In 2003, the first fully completed section of Hudson River Park was
and New Jersey capital funding. This funding was in addition to the $5 million opened in Greenwich Village and was the largest park endeavor in Manhattan
from the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) included in the since Central Park was built in 1857. This section features a display
Governor’s Executive Budget. fountain, rest station, dog run, food concession, community garden and
three large public piers. Each pier offers a different activity, from sunbathing
Governor Pataki a Big Supporter and relaxing on a grass lawn that is three football fields in length to a
Governor Pataki has been a huge supporter of Hudson River Park. His children’s playground that combines state-of-the-art play equipment with a
commitment to the Park is probably best illustrated by a story he frequently water park that teaches about the ecology of the Hudson River.
relates when attending ribbon cuttings as new sections of the Park are Several other sections of Park are currently under construction or are
opened. The story goes that the Governor was riding down the Westside close to opening. These include the Clinton Cove section between 55th and
Highway in the first year of his administration. As he approached lower 57th Streets, which will feature a “get-down” where visitors will be able to
Manhattan on his way to a meeting he looked out and saw a bunch of get close to the water, and Pier 84, which will be the Park’s largest Pier and
decrepit piers and abandoned waterfront. He turned to an aide and said entirely open to the public. Pier 40, just south of the completed Greenwich
‘Who owns this awful place?’ The aid replied, ‘You do Governor,’ as a great Village Section, will feature two synthetic turf fields that look, play, and
deal of the land and piers on which Hudson River Park now lies was state feel very much like real grass but allow for constant use with very
owned. The Governor maintains that it was right there and then that he little maintenance.
13
Highlands Conservation Act
protects four-state greenbelt
The recently enacted Highlands Conservation Act authorizes, over the The Highlands Conservation Act is the result of 15 years of advocacy on
next ten years, $10 million per year in matching grants for land protection the part of The Highlands Coalition, a group of more than 100 local,
and $1 million per year in technical assistance from the Forest Service to regional and national organizations.
state and local governments within the Highlands region, a forested “We thank Governor Pataki and the entire NY delegation, especially
greenbelt in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. This Senators Schumer and Clinton, and Reps. Kelly and Engel,” said Carol Ash,
greenbelt is particularly significant because it is within a two-hour drive of Director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and Vice-Chair of the
over 20 million people. In addition to 9 million annual visits to its 200,000 Highlands Coalition. “The vision of the Highlands Conservation Act was to
acres of public land, the Highlands forests protect watershed areas and replicate the success of Sterling Forest at least one hundred times
reservoirs serving over 11 million people. Despite the high degree of public throughout the Highlands. This federal funding will help to leverage state
use, the area still remains a largely unspoiled eco-region and provides a and local dollars for permanent protection of our natural areas and
critical wildlife migration corridor for bird and animal species across the working farms.”
entire Northeast. More information: www.highlandscoalition.org.
104,000 Adirondack acres
Municipal park
Funding Idea
protected
matching grants 104,000 acres of Adirondack forestland in the “Sable Highlands”
region of Clinton and Franklin Counties, formerly owned by Domtar
Two local matching grant programs administered by the NYS Office of Industries, have been protected through an agreement between New
Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation fund acquisition and York State, The Nature Conservancy and Lyme Timber. The agreement
development of outdoor park and recreation facilities, including trails. adds 20,000 acres directly to state forests and provides public
Projects must reflect the priorities established in the NY Statewide recreational access, through easements, to another 84,000 acres of land
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Applications for both that will continue to be logged and have hunting club leases.
are due June 30, 2005. More information: www.dec.state.ny.us
More information: www.nysparks.state.ny.us/grants
Steps to a healthier you
Encouraging numbers Walking — just as good
The U.S. Census Bureau, in its most recent Statistical as a health club
Abstract of the United States, found that 82 million people According to a study conducted by scientists as the University
enjoy “exercise walking,” making it the top sporting activity of Pennsylvania, taking 5,000 more steps (two miles) each day
in the country. The next most popular activities included camping, can be as helpful in losing weight as going to a gym four days
swimming, and exercising with equipment. Regular physical activity a week. So find a local trail and go for a daily walk to
is key to losing weight and staying healthy. maintain a healthy wallet and a healthy you.
To find a trail near you, visit Trail FinderMaps, Parks & Trails New York’s
on-line guide to multi-use trails at www.ptny.org.
14
Sonnenberg Mansion and
Gardens new state historic park
The popular Sonnenberg Mansion and Gardens, a Finger Lakes
landmark, is the newest State Historic Park, one of only four such sites
in New York with this designation. An agreement between the non-profit
organization currently running the site and the NYS Office of Parks,
Rath new Chair of Recreation and Historic Preservation provides for acquisition of the
property by the state while responsibility for day to day operations of the
Senate Tourism Committee grounds and buildings is retained by current employees and volunteers.
The 40-room Victorian mansion and 10 formal gardens are part of a
State Senator Mary Lou Rath has been named Chairperson of the 52-acre estate that was developed between 1863 and 1923 as a summer
Committee on Tourism, Recreation, and home for New York City banker Frederick Ferris Thompson. The site is
Sports Development. Rath represents the listed on the State and National Register of Historic Properties.
61st District, which includes Genesee and More information: www.sonnenberg.org
part of Erie County.
“As the newly appointed chair of the Sonnenberg Mansion and Gardens is now a State Historic Park.
Senate Tourism Committee, I look forward to
working to continue to provide our citizens
and visitors with the best parks and outdoor
recreation possibilities available in the U.S.
and beyond,” said Rath. “Our parks and
trails are an integral part of the character of
New York State, and I am pleased to have
been able to provide resources over the Rath new head of Senate
years to preserve and enhance them. Not Tourism, Recreation, and
Sports Development
only do parks and trails increase the
aesthetics of our communities, but provide opportunities for exercise and
recreation. Every community benefits from having access to well-maintained
parks and trails.”
Join Parks & Trails New York GREENSPACE
Published by:
Parks & Trails New York
29 Elk Street, Albany, New York 12207
Help create (518) 434-1583 • E-mail: ptny@ptny.org • website: www.ptny.org
a network s
il
of parks, tra s Individual $ 30 Board of Directors
&o pen space Student/Senior $ 20 Jeffrey P. Swain, Chair Robert F. Bristol M. Peter Lanahan, Jr. Klara Sauer
York
across New Contributor $ 50 David F. Shaffer, Vice Chair Jane Clark Chermayeff J. Scott Lewendon Rowland Stebbins III
Friend $ 100 Arthur V. Savage, Secretary Charles E. Dorkey III Floyd S. Linton Michael Tannen
Supporter $ 250 J. Martin Carovano, Treasurer Richard S. Hawks Douglas R. McCuen Alan N. Vincent
Protector $ 500 Jeannette G. Bamford Robert J. Kafin Judith C. Mower Stephanie H. Wacholder
Kent L. Barwick Alice J. Kryzan David S. Sampson
Name Robin Dropkin, Executive Director Martha Gershun, Development Director
Salim Adler, Canalway Trail Partnership Director Frances Gotcsik, Conservation Director
Address Phil DeRita, Student Intern Al Hastings, Ride Director
Margaret McGivern, Administrative/Membership Coordinator Heidi Knapp, Administrative Assistant
City Kevin McLoughlin, Trails Director Josh Silver, Assistant Ride Director
State Zip This publication was made possible, in part, with funding from
the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Parks & Trails New York works to expand, protect and promote a network of Photos in this issue of GreenSpace
❑ Enclosed is my check made payable to PTNY parks, trails and open spaces throughout the state for all to use and enjoy. courtesy of NYS Canal
Corporation, Sarah Wiles,
❑ Charge $ to my Parks and Trails New York is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization as defined
Hudson Valley Rail-Trail,
by the IRS. Contributions are tax-deductible.
Account # Expiration Date Harlem Valley Rail-Trail,
GreenSpace is published by Parks & Trails New York and is distributed free to Catskill Scenic Trail, Sonnenberg
members and selected public officials. It is also available on the PTNY website
Name on Card at www.ptny.org. Contributions of manuscripts, letters, photographs or other
Mansion and Gardens, Westchester
County Parks, Neighborhood
Signature material relating to parks and trails in NYS are encouraged. Open Space Committee.
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June 17-18 — New Paltz
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Get Outdoors
this Summer!
Find a trail Rochester area
near you trail brochure
A new trail brochure for the Rochester area is packed
Visit TrailFinder Maps, Parks & Trails New York’s on-line guide
to 90 multi-use trails in New York State: www.ptny.org with information about trails, bike shops, and places to visit.
To get a copy of Trails in the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region,
Guide to visit www.bikerochester.com.
Canalway Trail Mohawk-Hudson
The outstanding bicycling and sightseeing available along the legendary
Erie Canal is highlighted in Parks & Trails New York’s 136-page guidebook Bike-Hike Trail map
A revised map of the 35-mile Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail
— Cycling the Erie Canal: A guide to 400 miles of adventure and history
along the Erie Canalway Trail. To order: www.ptny.org/guidebook in the Capital Region is available from the Capital District
or 518-434-1583. Transportation Council at www.cdtcmpo.org or call 518-458-2161.
A regional bike-hike map is also available from CDTC.
Bike New York State
Great
7
An eight-day, 400-mile bicycle A five-day, 200-mile bicycle tour
TH ANNUAL tour across New York along the
Hudson from Albany to New York City
Erie Canal — a mostly flat ride
with more than half on the
Valley through the picturesque
traffic-free Canalway Trail.
Pedal and historic Hudson Valley
August 17-21, 2005
July 10-17, 2005
www.ptny.org/hudsontour • 518-434-1583 www.ptny.org/hudsontour • 518-434-1583
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