Bill > S01067

This bill establishes the New York State Park Adopt-a-Trail Stewardship Program, which allows the Parks Commissioner to enter into agreements with individuals, non-profit groups, or "parks' friends groups" (501(c)(3) organizations supporting specific park areas) to preserve, maintain, and enhance trails in state-owned parks. The program enables participants to engage in various activities such as remedying vandalism, removing litter, maintaining trails, providing interpretive services, installing benches and picnic tables, and improving trail areas. The Commissioner will develop a competitive process to select program administrators and can provide personnel, facilities, and supplies to support these efforts. Participants will receive recognition through signage (limited to small, circular markers) and potentially other means like press releases and certificates. The bill also creates a dedicated State Park Adopt-a-Trail Stewardship Program Fund to support these activities, with strict provisions ensuring that the program does not displace current park employees or interfere with existing labor agreements. The Commissioner retains discretion in determining which trails can be sponsored and can modify or terminate stewardship agreements with 30 days' notice.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1067