Good News from the NYS Budget Process for the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve
Even in a challenging year, we’re excited to report on the New York State’s budget process with some big news — both the New York State Senate and Assembly are proposing significant investments in the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve.
We want the Legislature and the Governor to know that you appreciate this investment in the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve. Please take a minute to thank legislative leaders and our local Catskills delegation for supporting our beloved park and wild lands. It's so important that they hear from people who care.
The proposals are different in each house, but both are good news for the Catskills:
The Assembly is proposing a historic $400 million Environmental Protection Fund, including $9 million for Catskill & Adirondack visitor safety and wilderness protection.
The Senate is proposing more than $200,000 directly for organizations in the Catskills--including the Catskill Center--to gather visitor use data and run trail stewardship programs, as well as a $3 billion environmental bond act to support important clean air and water and climate mitigation infrastructure projects.
Please take a moment to thank your elected officials for standing with the Catskills! It is critically important that elected officials hear from their constituents and Catskill Center supporters--especially when they're doing the right thing!
From here, the Senate and Assembly will negotiate with Governor Cuomo, and the state will deliver a final budget on or around April 1st. There are many steps to get to the final budget, so please take a moment to send your local legislators and our state legislative leaders a quick note of thanks--your email, phone call, or written will send the strong message that we care about this funding and need them to prioritize the Catskills as the process moves ahead.
How to Help:
Contact your Assemblymembers: Let them know that you support the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve Funding in their budget and that you want them to support it. Find your State Assemblymember here.
Contact your State Senators: Let them know that you support their support of the Catskill Park in their budget and that you want them to support it. Find your State Senator at www.nysenate.gov/registration/nojs/form/start/find-my-senator
Contact the Governor: His number is 518-474-8390. Tell him that you support investments in the Catskill Park and Forest Preserve and let him know why the Catskills are important to you.
Write a Letter to the Editor of your local paper: Write a Letter to the Editor of your local paper explaining why supporting the Catskill Park is important to you.