Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

April 07, 2021

Dan Keefe | Brian Nearing
(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov

New York State Parks Releases Final Statewide Greenway Trails Plan

Final Planning Document/GEIS now available here

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning today announced the release of the Final Statewide Greenway Trails Plan/Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement (FGEIS).

"New York State offers nearly 2,100 miles of recreational greenway trails, and this plan offers a blueprint for how New York State can expand this impressive network even further," State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. "Recreational trails enrich our communities, and our agency looks forward to working with stakeholders to help more New Yorkers enjoy the benefits of safe places to exercise and play."

The Statewide Greenway Trails Plan identifies trail user types, addresses trail trends and issues, and discusses the benefits of shared-use trails for all New Yorkers. Input from a variety of state and local stakeholders as well as from the general public was solicited in the creation of the Plan. The Plan provides a vision, goals and recommendations that will guide future planning and development of Greenway Trails in the State.

The Statewide Greenway Trails Plan identifies seven key goals:

·         Prioritize the development and expansion of greenway trails in underserved communities.

·         Collect and publish information to aid in the planning, development, and management of greenway trails.

·         Expand the Greenway Trails System to reach more New Yorkers in more areas.  

·         Provide funding opportunities for the acquisition, planning, development, and maintenance of greenway trails.

·         Foster greater collaboration between agency and stakeholder partners to advance greenway trails in New York.

·         Promote the Greenway Trails System as a destination for tourism, healthy recreation, and active lifestyles.

·         Enhance bicycle and pedestrian transportation options by connecting greenway trails and communities.

The Plan also compiles an inventory of existing planned, and proposed greenway trails across the state which is available at: https://greenway-trails-plan-nysparks.hub.arcgis.com/. The completed Plan will guide decision-making, influence greenway trail development policy in state and local governments, and inform communities, organizations and individuals engaged in trail development and management.

The Statewide Greenway Trails Plan is available on the internet for viewing or downloading at: https://parks.ny.gov/inside-our-agency/master-plans.aspx. A non-digital copy of the document can be provided by the agency contact listed below.

Agency Contact:

Christopher Morris
Statewide Trails Planner
Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Albany NY, 12238
StatewideTrailsPlan@parks.ny.gov
(518) 474-0409