“With a budget that provides protections for New
York’s public lands, New York State is on the wise path of land conservation
and stewardship today and into the future,” said Kim Elliman, OSI’s president
and CEO. “The final agreement underscores the value of protected land as a
source for clean water, a place to explore and recreate, and an important
economic asset for communities and local businesses.”
Additionally, the budget maintains momentum on the
10-year commitment outlined in Governor Cuomo’s NY Parks 2020 plan and
Adventure NY initiatives to revitalize state parks and DEC properties and make
them more accessible, appealing, and welcoming for generations of park
visitors.
OSI is grateful to Governor Cuomo for presenting a
forward-thinking environmental blueprint and particularly appreciative to
Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Steve Englebright; Senate
Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Tom O’Mara; Assembly Tourism, Parks,
Arts and Sports Development Committee Chair Daniel O’Donnell; and Senate
Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks & Recreation Committee Chair Rich Funke,
for the critical roles they played in achieving this remarkable final budget.
Among New York’s leading land conservation
organizations, OSI has conserved 143,000 acres in New York State through our 40
years of history. These conservation transactions achieve a variety of goals,
including creating and expanding parks, protecting habitat, mitigating the
effects of climate change, and protecting water sources.
Through its Alliance for New York State Parks
program, OSI has extended its commitment to public enjoyment of parks through
advocacy, private fundraising, and support of public-private endeavors that are
adding to the revitalization of New York’s magnificent state park system.
