Catskill Center Lauds Record NYS Budget Investments in the Catskills
May 8, 2025 – Arkville, NY: The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development celebrates a historic achievement in securing crucial funding for the Catskills in the New York State 2025/2026 budget, and applauds Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature for their continued commitment to the region. The final budget increases the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to an all-time high of $425 million, and allocates $10 million to the Catskill and Adirondack Forest Preserve Parks under the State Land Stewardship line.
“The Catskill Center applauds Governor Hochul, the Senate, and the Assembly for recognizing the value of the Catskills in this year’s state budget,” said Jeff Senterman, Executive Director of the Catskill Center. “The investment ensures that critical stewardship, visitor services, and scientific research in the Catskills can continue to grow in impact. It’s a powerful statement of commitment to both the natural heritage of the region and the people who call it home—or come here to experience its beauty.”
As co-chair of the Forest Preserve Coalition with our friends at the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK), the allocated $10 million, marks the fourth year of designated funding to the Catskill and Adirondack Forest Preserves. The funding will advance efforts to protect the forests, lakes, and rivers of the Catskills and improve accessibility, with support for trail construction and upkeep, as well as increased educational outreach.
The Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center, which the Catskill Center manages and operates and is the Catskill Park’s only official visitor center, received $250,000 to support operations and programming this year. The Catskill Stewards Program, which places stewards at high-use trailheads and along outdoor recreation hot spots, will receive an additional $50,000 in the Aid to Localities budget championed by the efforts of Senator Michelle Hinchey.
The Catskill Center also applauds the allocation of $200,000 directed to the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies for the Catskill Science Collaborative, an increase of $20,000 from the previous year. This funding, prioritized by the Catskill Park Coalition, which we co-chair, highlights an ongoing commitment to advancing scientific research and environmental monitoring within the region.
The budget also includes funding for Belleayre Mountain Ski Center, invasive species management, including Hemlock Wooly Adelgid biocontrol funding at Cornell University, state-wide funding for Clean Water Infrastructure, Climate Smart Communities, Smart Growth, and Connect Kids grants.
The Catskill Center is also pleased to see continued and increased investment in programs that advance diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility across the Catskill Park. These efforts are essential to ensuring that outdoor spaces are safe, welcoming, and accessible to all individuals, supporting broader public engagement with the Catskills.