The State Parks in New York, many of whom are already in danger of being closed, is facing a new problem.

The lack of any State budget at all, Parks Commissioner says that they do not have the “funding or authorization to open the 55 State Parks and Historic Sites that were identified for closing.” Read the full press release here- Thanks to Thomas Constantine, who sent this to us via Facebook.

As we have posted in an earlier article about Schoharie Crossing here, they have been open for limited programs through April, and our over-enthusiasm for seeing some progress prompted Tricia Shaw to clarify that they “have only been given the go ahead for April programs only, nothing beyond that, and not all April programs, only most of them. The final determination will be based on when the legislature passes the budget.”

By no means is Schoharie Crossing or any of the other 54 Parks and Historic Sites are guaranteed to be open this summer.

In the 125 year history of NYS, has the State ever closed any of these parks, not even during the Great Depression.

In hard economic times, the parks have always been there for us for affordable and even free recreation.

As stated in the press release, the saving of the State will be $11.3 Million dollars, or about four-thousands of one percent of the budget.

The loss of local revenues created by visitors to the park, and the layoffs that would be assumed, would seem to override this ’savings’.

How can you help?

The Parks & Trails New York, a statewide advocacy organization that works to expand, protect and promote a network of parks, trails and open spaces througout NYS has these suggestions:

The Governor and your legislators still need to hear from you.

Contact Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader John Sampson:

• Thank them for voting to keep all state parks and historic sites open and for voting to restore funding to the EPF.
• Urge them to adopt the Senate’s plan to fully restore EPF funding and protect stewardship funding for parks, trails, forests, and open spaces.
• Encourage them to remain strong and protect parks during budget negotiations with the Governor.

Contact Governor Paterson and urge him to:

• Accept the $11.3 million in restoration to the State Parks operating budget so that all state parks and historic sites can remain open.
• Accept the Senate’s plan to fully restore EPF funding and protect stewardship funding for parks, trails, forests, and open spaces.

Visit http://ptny.org/ for more information on how you can help save our parks.

Submitted by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce.
Do you have information to share? Email us at events@mohawkvalleyguide.com

Trail Mix

The towpath trails that you hiked or biked on in the summer are now covered with snow, making them the perfect environment for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Enjoy great views of the Schoharie Creek and Mohawk River. Come walk along the west bank of the Schoharie Creek and see the remains of the log and stone dams. See the Schoharie Aqueduct up close and personal. This is the ONLY time of the year you can do it! It’s too muddy in the Spring plus possible flooding can make it difficult.

Winter Lecture Series  

Sundays at 1:00 pm
Fee $3.00 adults, $2.00 Seniors, $1.00 children under 16

January 17- The Erie Canal in Saratoga County with retired history curator from the New York State Museum John Scherer

Winter Workshops

All workshops are for ages 12 and up. Registration Required!
(more…)

Saturday and Sunday, July 11th and 12th, 2009

The Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will hold Canal Days on July 11th and 12th, 2009. Enjoy live music and entertainment, great food, a chicken barbaque, canoe races, engine show, kids activities and more.

The Schoharie Crossing will need Silent Auction Items for the upcoming Canal Days.  (more…)