New York State and Parks & Trails New York announced $450,000 in state grants to 21 organizations dedicated to the stewardship and promotion of parks, historic sites and public lands, but only $7,225 will come our area.

Azure Mountain Friends will receive $7,225 to initiate a publicity campaign and fund necessary repairs. The publicity campaign will improve communications to the public about the work of the Azure Mountain Friends, the history of the tower, expand interest, and ultimately increase the number of volunteers and supporters.

Most importantly, the increased exposure and publicity will help to insure the continuation of educational programs.

State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, “Friends Groups and volunteers are key partners in the success of our park system. I applaud Governor Cuomo for helping these grassroots Friends organizations become stronger and more effective stewards of New York’s treasured public spaces.”

“Across New York, volunteers are bolstering DEC’s work. From our new Campground Ambassadors program to longstanding trail stewardship efforts, volunteers are assisting DEC to protect natural resources and helping to connect more New Yorkers with nature. Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s leadership in sustaining the Environmental Protection Fund at $300 million this year, for the first time these grants are being awarded to DEC Friends groups to continue their efforts supporting our work,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said.

Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Robin Dropkin said, “It’s inspiring to see the transformational effect of the Park and Trail Partnership Program grants and how they are enhancing the ability of Friends groups to make an even greater contribution to the stewardship of New York’s great outdoor spaces,” said PTNY Executive Director Robin Dropkin. “These grant funds will enable groups to leverage more private and federal funding, marshal more volunteer power, and augment the state’s historic investment in parks, trails and other public outdoor places.”

The Park and Trail Partnership Program grants, funded through the Environmental Protection Fund, will be matched by almost $200,000 in private and local funding, which will support projects. The Park and Trail Partnership Program grants are designed to:

Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, maintenance and promotion of New York State parks, trails, historic sites and public lands;

Increase the sustainability, effectiveness, productivity, volunteerism and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain and support New York State parks, trails and state historic sites; and

Promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails and greenways.

The grants are administered by the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, and Parks & Trails New York, a statewide non-profit group. This year for the first time, grant awardees include Department of Environmental Conservation Friends groups.