Press Releases
For Release: Immediately 5/27/10
COOPERATION, CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR STATE PARK DILEMNAS
by Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward (R,I – Willsboro)
New York park lands and historic sites are precious recreational resources for all state residents and visitors. From the Adirondack Mountains and the St. Lawrence River to the beaches of Long Island, parks are spread throughout the state, providing beautiful scenery and opportunities for enjoyment. Public access to recreation, educational experiences and sporting venues give our families a reprieve from daily demands.
Lack of financial stability in our state budget means lack of security for our family budgets. Often quick fix remedies create different or larger future problems. Because our state’s financial crisis will not be going away any time soon, we need to address long term solutions that serve our communities without compromising the people’s assets.
Recently Commissioner Pete Grannis and his Department of Environmental Conservation staff have shown just such initiative. The DEC faces drastic cuts in funding for non-personal services – gasoline, supplies, etc.
Working on the state and local levels, DEC assets were pooled with those of the town of Caroga and, as a result, the Caroga Lake state campground will be open for the 2010 season. Just this week, a similar understanding has been reached with the towns of Inlet and Indian Lake to reopen the roads in the Moose River Plains wild forest so that visitors can access secluded campsites distant from the main roads.
A proposal has been made to sweep approximately $6 million from the EPF to rescue our state parks for only a matter of months. This is no solution to the larger issue. The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation should follow the precedent set by Commissioner Grannis and his staff. ORPH should work with the local municipalities and organizations to maximize resources in order to maintain our parks and historic sites while saving the taxpayers’ money.
