Why Advocacy for Forest Preserve Funding Matters
Advocacy efforts championed by the Catskill Center have been a driving force in securing record funding for the Forest Preserve in New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF)—an achievement that shapes the future of the Catskills and Adirondacks for everyone. The story of why this advocacy matters, and why continued public support is essential, is one defined by partnership, stewardship, and pride in protecting enduring New York’s natural legacy.
State of the Catskill and Adirondack Forest Preserves
The Catskills and Adirondacks encompass more than three million acres of public land as well as countless communities that depend on them for clean water, outdoor recreation, and economic vitality. But this legacy isn’t guaranteed. Growing numbers of visitors, climate change, invasive species, and the increasing needs of rural towns mean these lands require dedicated care and strategic investment to remain both healthy and accessible for the future.
The Catskill Center, working alongside partners and policymakers, has led the charge for consistent, dedicated state funding. In 2025, this effort secured $10 million for Forest Preserve stewardship, marking a pivotal commitment to stewardship, accessibility, and scientific research in the Catskill and Adirondack Parks.
To date, since the Catskill Center first secured dedicated Forest Preserve funding, more than $36 million has been invested in the two Parks.
What the Funding Does
Thanks to our advocacy, EPF funding for the Forest Preserve supports:
Trail construction and improvement, making recreation safer and more accessible while reducing negative impacts on fragile habitats.
Stewardship programs like the Catskill Stewards, who educate visitors at key destinations and protect the park’s most sensitive resources.
Scientific research and monitoring to guide future protection efforts and inform adaptive management practices.
Operations of the Catskills Visitor Center, a gateway for education, responsible recreation, and connection to local economies—providing tens of thousands of visitors each year with guidance, programming, and access to the heart of the region. Funding for the three visitor centers in the Adirondacks is included in the EPF.
Smart Growth Grants, available to Catskill and Adirondack Park Towns and nonprofits help advance planning and shovel ready projects across the two Parks.
Without this support, critical services, educational outreach, and safe recreational opportunities would be in jeopardy. State investment, combined with donor and member support, is the key to keeping these public benefits strong and sustained.
The Catskill Center’s Role and the Importance of Public Support
The Catskill Center doesn't just advocate for funding. We bring together coalitions, manage program implementation, run the region’s primary visitor center, and champion innovative approaches to stewardship and climate resilience.
Our work amplifies the voices of local communities, connects policy to ground-level solutions, and continuously seeks to expand what’s possible for people and nature in the region.
This work is powered by more than policy, it’s powered by people—it’s powered by YOU.
When members and donors back the Catskill Center, they don’t just give funds. They give weight to advocacy, add capacity to meet challenges, and strengthen the partnership between the state, nonprofits, and local communities. Member support ensures that the Catskill Center’s voice carries in Albany and that the promise of the region’s future remains strong and leads to real action.
The Future of the Catskills (and Adirondacks) is in your hands
Protecting the Catskills and Adirondacks is an ongoing, collaborative effort. Advocacy for EPF funding, led by the Catskill Center and sustained by public support, translates directly into safer lands, stronger communities, and a vibrant future. When you support or join the Catskill Center, you’re investing in stewardship, sustainability, and the promise that these cherished landscapes will thrive for generations to come.