Scenic Hudson Honors Those Improving State Parks

NYS Parks Commissioner Carol Ash and nonprofit Parks & Trails NY Saluted

HUDSON VALLEY -- On June 25, 2008, Scenic Hudson tonight honored New York State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash and the nonprofit Parks & Trails New York for spearheading major investments in popular state parks -- including many in the Hudson Valley. Their work led the state to commit to making its largest-ever investment in park improvements -- $100 million in the 2008/09 state budget -- for enhancing parks that are enjoyed by 55 million visitors statewide annually and that help boost the valley's regional economy. Many infrastructure upgrades at state parks will be done in time for celebrating the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage of exploration and they will be appreciated for generations as a legacy of the Quadricentennial.

Scenic Hudson saluted the honorees at a gala held at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills, Westchester County.

"Both our honorees have provided a great and lasting service to the people of the Hudson Valley and our entire state. Parks that provide safe and beautiful places are part of the foundation for livable communities," said Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson. "It's only fitting to recognize visionaries who are helping New York again claim the mantle of having the best state parks in the country."

Scenic Hudson board Chair Frederic C. Rich added, "Parks, particularly those along the Hudson, are places for relaxation and recreation, while they also attract people and businesses to communities. Parks are the backyards of our cities, towns and villages -- and our honorees deserve accolades for making those backyards places we can all be proud of."

Commissioner Ash putting shine back on state parks

Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) since 2007, Ms. Ash has articulated and begun to implement a bold vision for improving the state's system of parks and historic sites. Her leadership in securing the largest investment ever by the state in its parks is part of a multi-year plan to restore amenities that make state parks a destination for millions of residents and tourists. Praise for this historic initiative also is due for Gov. David Paterson, Deputy Secretary for the Environment Judith Enck and the state Legislature. Soon after her confirmation, the commissioner visited more than 100 state parks to witness their deteriorating condition. While the parks system has grown by 70,000 acres since 1992, capital expenditures (when adjusted for inflation) have been cut in half since that time.

Scenic Hudson also recognized Commissioner Ash's long-standing contributions to the Hudson Valley's natural and historic treasures. During her tenure as executive director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, 2000 to 2007, she oversaw important upgrades at Bear Mountain State Park, construction of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, and the opening of Fort Montgomery State Historic Site.

She also helped lead an effort for passage of the 2004 Highlands Conservation Act and creation of the Highlands Environmental Research Institute. While state director of The Nature Conservancy, she helped preserve Sterling Forest, and in earlier posts with the Port Authority and Department of Environmental Conservation, she implemented groundbreaking environmental programs in New York City.

Speaking of the far-reaching benefits of the state's parks, Commissioner Ash said, "Parks are valuable and irreplaceable public assets that help keep communities healthy and that contribute economically by attracting tourists, employing people, and helping make the region a more attractive place to do business. While the state is investing in our parks, we're also increasing efforts to raise private support from individuals, foundations, friends groups and interested corporations. Scenic Hudson has been a vital partner in creating such special places, including Sterling Forest, Fahnestock, Franny Reese Preserve and more."

Parks & Trails New York is grass-roots parks success story; report helped prompt state investment

Founded in 1985, Parks & Trails New York is the only nonprofit working statewide to protect and promote the natural beauty and recreational resources in public parkland. The group also is developing multi-use trails that boost regional tourism and economies, while it also helps communities and grass-roots groups create new
places for residents to enjoy the benefits of nature and exercise. Its experts and innovative approaches have spearheaded development of rail and canal trails; green corridors connecting cities, villages and the countryside; and heritage corridors that preserve history and regional character. The organization was instrumental in creating the D&H Canal Heritage Corridor in Ulster County. Statewide it is leading efforts to complete the 524-mile Erie Canalway Trail, to be the nation's longest continuous multi-use trail. As an advocacy group, Parks & Trails New York has helped protect Niagara Falls State Park and Allegany State Park, while also initiating the first statewide program to make parks more accessible to persons with disabilities.

Since its inception Parks & Trails New York has called attention to the benefits and challenges of maintaining New York's spectacular parks through a series of studies. Its landmark 2006 report, Parks at a Turning Point -- Restoring and Enhancing New York's State Park System, revealed that because the budget for infrastructure projects had not risen for a decade, state parks suffered from more than $140 million in deferred maintenance. Parks & Trails New York's board members made field visits to 36 parks accounting for 64 percent of all annual visits. Within these world-class spaces they discovered closed campsites and pools, deteriorating rest rooms and incomplete or inadequate interpretive displays. The report concluded with visionary recommendations for reducing the infrastructure backlog, including the development of a five-year, $300-million capital plan for the parks. These recommendations found a champion in State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash.

"New York State can't afford to squander the priceless legacy that its state park system represents. With our growing understanding of the importance of environmental protection and of healthy lifestyles -- and with the state leveraging quality of life as one of its key assets in an effort to grow our economy -- the park system matters today more than ever," said Robin Dropkin, executive director of Parks & Trails New York.

Special guest applauded during event

A private citizen and philanthropist also was honored during the event. Dr. Lucy Waletzky, chair of the State Council of Parks, is spearheading private fundraising efforts for state parks. In addition to her generous support of the statewide capital initiative for state parks, Dr. Waletzky is supporting trail work with Scenic Hudson at both Mills-Norrie State Park in the Town of Staatsburg, Dutchess County, and at the Franny Reese Preserve State Park in the Town of Lloyd, Ulster County. The dramatic 250-acre property along the Hudson was protected by Scenic Hudson in 2003 and in partnership with the state was named a state park in honor of the Scenic Hudson co-founder, who also was the group's guiding spirit for 40 years.

"Lucy Waletzky is a visionary conservationist who is showing great leadership through this generous gift. She understands the urgency of protecting these special places before it's too late. As we approach the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage up the Hudson, it's heartening that we can preserve some legacy landscapes that make this a world-class region and provide the foundation for our economy," said Mr. Sullivan.

Galas honor partners crucial to land-preservation campaign

The gala is one of three events Scenic Hudson is hosting in May and June to celebrate the partnerships that will enable the organization to complete its campaign to Save the Land that Matters Most.

The Pew Charitable Trusts, which is providing Scenic Hudson with support for its land-saving campaign, recognizes the need for collaboration in protecting the Hudson Valley's iconic landscapes and unique history. "For the region and the nation, it's critically important that future generations have an opportunity to enjoy this valley's special places," said Rebecca Rimel, president and CEO of The Pew Charitable Trusts. "At Pew, we work with conservation-minded individuals and institutions who share our commitment to preserving our natural resources, and we're delighted to be part of this undertaking."

A May 20 event in Irvington, Westchester County, honored three "smart growth" developers -- Bridge Street Properties, LeylandAlliance and the Jonathan Rose Companies -- that have revitalized downtowns, bringing economic prosperity to former industrial waterfronts and connecting people to the Hudson River while protecting historic and ecological resources. Their work epitomizes Scenic Hudson's strategy to steer development to municipal centers, protecting working farms and other open space on their outskirts.

On June 21 Scenic Hudson honored 13 local, regional and national land trusts for their outstanding work in safeguarding critically important land, farms and scenic wonders throughout the Hudson Valley. The event was held at Listening Rock Farm in Wassaic, Dutchess County.

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 10,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources. www.scenichudson.org

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