NEWS RELEASE

Contacts:

• Jeff Senterman, jsenterman@catskillcenter.org, 845-768-2657

• Stephen Kent, skent@kentcom.com, 914-589-5988

GOVERNOR CUOMO’S FY2021 BUDGET PROPOSAL, STRONG ON ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE PROTECTION, INCLUDES FUNDING FOR THE CATSKILLS VISITOR CENTER

[Arkville, New York – January 23, 2020] Governor Cuomo’s proposed New York State FY2021 Executive Budget released this week includes $150,000 to help fund the operation of the Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center, as part of the State’s Environmental Protection Fund.

A partnership between the Catskill Center and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Catskills Visitor Center (CVC) is the only visitor center in the 700,000-acre Catskill Park. Located in Mt. Tremper, New York on State Rte. 28 near the entrance to the Park, it welcomes well over 10,000 people each year to the region, orienting them with exhibits and dozens of special programs and lectures, in addition to maps, adventure advice, and information on shopping, lodging, and restaurants. CVC’s 60-acre property has trails for educational walks including hikes along the Esopus River, and an 80-foot fire tower overlooking the area.

“This is a tough budget year in New York, and we’re very grateful for the Governor’s continued commitment to the environment, and for recognizing the Catskills Visitor’s Center value to the Catskill Park, our communities, and our visitors,” said Jeff Senterman, executive director of the Catskill Center. “It’s an important anchor for the Park and the region. It attracts tourism and makes the Catskills more accessible to more people. It also educates visitors, connects them to local communities, provides a hub for residents, and contributes to the wise use and preservation of this magical part of the world.”

The Catskill region encompass pristine forests and wildlife, beautiful waterways, and unique communities. It furnishes New York City with some of the purest drinking water in the country, and offers unparalleled recreational opportunities for 2.7 million visitors a year. “But like the rest of the world, our resources are also affected and threatened by climate change,” said Senterman. “We applaud the Governor’s leadership in committing the resources needed to address it.”

The FY2021 Executive Budget allocates $33 billion over five years to combat climate change, create climate resilient communities, and protect New York’s environment and water quality. It also calls for a permanent ban on fracking across the state. “We look forward to working with Governor Cuomo to implement those goals,” Senterman said.

In February each year the Catskill Center and the Catskill Park Coalition lead Catskill Park Day, when a diverse group of stakeholders and volunteers go to Albany to meet with State legislators and agencies about the needs of the Catskill Park, Catskill Forest Preserve and Catskill communities. This year’s Catskill Park Day 2020 is February 4. The Catskill Park Coalition includes 28 groups, co-chaired by the Catskill Center and Catskill Mountainkeeper. But Catskill Park Day is open to any groups or individuals who want to advocate for the Catskills. To learn more and get involved, go to catskillcenter.org/events/catskillparkday2020 .