The Catskill Park Coalition needs your help! This important group works hard to enhance and preserve resources for the Catskill Park and the surrounding area. They’re meeting with legislators in Albany for Catskill Park Day on Tuesday, February 6th, and the public’s participation is vital to the protection of the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve.
About Catskill Park Day
The day is going to start in the Grand Concourse at Empire State Plaza with a kickoff presentation and keynote speaker, followed by meetings with legislators.
This year, the Catskill Park Coalition will be asking for a Catskill Park Funding Package of $14,350,000 to be included in the 2018 New York State Budget.
This package is intended to facilitate a number of plans, including $10 million allocated towards Catskill Park stewardship, education, improvements, and infrastructure maintenance by the DEC. The stewardship includes programs like the Adventure NY Program, the Environmental Protection Fund, and Smart Growth Grants for Catskill Park communities.
The Coalition is hoping to increase budget and staffing for the DEC’s Division of Lands and Forest to better manage Catskill Park, funding for new exhibits and technology at the Maurice D. Hinchey Catskill Interpretive Center, and much more.
Last year, Catskill Park Day generated a $7.2 million commitment for the Catskill Park from the State of New York and an $8 million commitment for the Belleayre Ski Center.
In short, the sustainability of Catskill Park is largely dependent on how the discussion unfolds at Catskill Park Day, and you can be a part of that conversation.
What You Can Do to Help
In addition to attending Catskill Park Day, you could also call the Governor’s office at 518.474.8390 and ask him to support the Catskill Park Coalition’s $14 million package, explaining why the Catskills are important to you. You could also call your local Assembly member and/or your State Senator.
You could also support this cause by buying a shirt >>
Discover more about the Catskills region >>
