Albany, NY - June 24, 2013 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced more than $17 million in outdoor recreation improvement projects will begin this summer. The projects will continue to improve recreation areas located on public lands, including campgrounds, day use areas, trails and boat launches.

 

“Improving the infrastructure of New York’s outdoor recreation hot spots will help spur economic development and job creation, boost tourism and strengthen regional economies,” Governor Cuomo said. “New York’s vast network of camping, hiking, fishing and boating recreation sites provide millions of tourists with incredible opportunities for outdoor adventures at every turn. This funding, an important component of our New York Works program, will help upgrade and expand recreation prospects across the state and allow even more visitors to take advantage of the tremendous natural resources New York has to offer.”

 

State lands support New York’s vibrant, $54 billion outdoor recreation and tourism industries, which are a key component of many regional economies. The recreation projects, funded from NY Works II and the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), are designed to benefit communities that host the State’s vast network of outdoor recreation facilities, including those in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves, State forests, and wildlife management areas. Last year, more than 10 million people visited State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) lands and facilities.

 

Under New York Works II, $12 million will fund 27 projects across the State to develop, renovate or reconstruct boat launches; improve trails and public access, including work related to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance; and upgrade infrastructure such as roads, bridges, utilities and buildings. In addition, 83 projects totaling $5 million will use EPF awards for projects that include enhanced fishing and boating access, educational camp and center improvements, new kiosks, and upgrades to campgrounds, day use areas, roads and parking areas.

 

Among the projects being funded are those which will facilitate public access to the former Finch lands along the Hudson River between Newcomb and Indian Lake this summer and into the Essex Chain of Lakes this fall. These facilities include designated parking areas, signs and kiosks that will assist visitors to these historic lands. These projects will make it easier for residents and tourists to access the 7,200 acres of Forest Preserve lands that will be open to the public for the first time in 100 years.

 

DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said, “New York’s beautiful natural resources offer great outdoor experiences for individuals and families, whether it is a day trip, afternoon hike swim, or overnight stay. Governor Cuomo recognizes that outdoor recreation is a boon to local economies and improves the quality of life for New Yorkers. These projects will help to ensure that our outdoor recreation facilities are easily accessible and offer a multitude of activities for people of all ages.”

 

Below is a regional breakdown of New York Works II and EPF projects and funding. View a complete list of recreational projects here.

 

Region 1: Long Island	$1,300,000
Region 2: NYC	$134,492
Region 3: Lower Hudson Valley	$899,085
Region 4: Upper Hudson Valley/Cap Region	$732,000
Region 5: Eastern Adirondacks	$11,294,847
Region 6: Western Adirondacks	$899,727
Region 7: Central New York	$306,888
Region 8: Rochester & Finger Lakes	$445,000
Region 9: Western NY	$1,010,787
	$17,022,826

 

Catskill Park Map & Guide Released

Today, DEC released a newly redesigned, full-color Catskill Park Map and Guide featuring great places for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, boating, winter sports and wildlife viewing on both state and New York City lands. The guide, published by DEC, in partnership with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), includes a large map showing the location of public lands, as well as trails, campgrounds, fishing spots and boat launches. Local accommodations and attractions are also listed, and there are descriptions of a variety of adventures accessible for people with disabilities.

 

Free copies of the Catskill Park Map and Guide are available from DEC and NYC DEP, county tourism offices and local outdoor recreational businesses throughout the Catskill Park.