Contact:

• Jeff Senterman, jsenterman@catskillcenter.org, 845-768-2657

Catskill Center Praises Strong Commitment to the Environment in NYS Budget

ARKVILLE, NY -- During these unprecedented times, the Catskill Center praises Governor Andrew Cuomo, the New York State Assembly, and the New York State Senate for strengthening their commitment to the environment in this year’s state budget. The budget includes a fully funded $300 million Environmental Protect Fund, a $3 billion “Restore Mother Nature” Bond Act, along with a number of other measures that ensure clean air, clean water, open space, wildlife and a healthy environment remain top priorities for New York State.

“Given the incredibly challenging situation the State is facing with the coronavirus outbreak, it is heartening and uplifting that environmental priorities for New York State and the Catskills remain a top concern for Governor Cuomo, the Assembly, and the Senate,” said Catskill Center Executive Director, Jeff Senterman.

“We are very excited to see increased funding to help manage and protect our Catskill Park and Forest Preserve, including a new source of funding for the Catskills Visitor Center and increased funding for Forest Preserve stewardship activities,” he said. “Improving and protecting these resources will benefit both our Forest Preserve and our Catskill Park communities. Investments in our environmental programs on average generate a $7 return for every $1 invested, which represents jobs and a positive economic impact as we work to recover from the current public health crisis in the future.”

Catskills Visitor Center Funding

Under the Environmental Protection Fund, this year’s budget includes $150,000 to help fund operations and programs of the Congressman Maurice D. Hinchey Catskills Visitor Center (CVC).

A partnership between the Catskill Center and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), the Catskills Visitor Center is the official visitor center for the 700,000-acre Catskill Park. Located in Mt. Tremper, New York on State Rte. 28 near the entrance to the Park, it welcomes well over 10,000 people each year to the region. CVC visitors can experience exhibits and dozens of special programs and lectures, as well as search maps, ask adventure advice, and inquire about information on shopping, lodging, and restaurants in the Catskills. The CVC’s 60-acre property has trails for educational walks including hikes along the Esopus River and an 80-foot fire tower overlooking the area.

In the short-term, this funding will assist the Catskill Center in moving programming, activities, and information to an online format to allow visitors to virtually visit the Catskill Park. In the longer term, this funding will help support on-site staffing and expanded programming, including new curriculum and activities for visiting school groups.

Environmental Protection Fund

The Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) will be funded at $300 million this year, including $31 million for new open space land protection projects, some of which could be in the Catskill Park.

Funding for “state land stewardship” increased to $34.4 million (from $33 million last year), and a new authorized use of those funds is for “trail crews or other activities related to sustainable use of the forest preserve and other state lands that are threatened by overuse.” This funding could support shuttles, education, and other components of a strategic effort to manage visitor traffic to high-use areas in the Catskill Park. In addition, the State will be forming a Catskill Park High-Use Task Force, which will produce recommendations to help manage high-use (which this funding could also support).

Just over $13 million in funding for invasive species controls is available in the EPF. In the Catskills, these funds support efforts like the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) and the Invasive Species Strike Team.

The EPF includes $100,000 for the Catskills Science Collaborative at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, $500,000 for the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Project at Cornell University, $1 million for Belleayre Mountain and $2 million for community Smart Growth Grants in the Catskill and Adirondack Parks.

In addition to these specific categories, the EPF pays for open space, parks, solid waste and recycling facilities, environmental justice programs, and climate change mitigation/adaptation measures throughout the Catskills and across New York State.

“Protect Mother Nature” Environmental Bond Act

Included in the Budget is a historic $3 billion Environmental Bond Act, which will provide funding for key investments in local infrastructure and environmental restoration. These investments will help communities across New York prepare for flooding, rising seas, and dangerous extreme heat. The bond act will now go to voters for approval on the ballot in November.