Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the final 2016 Open Space Conservation Plan, which provides a blueprint for how the conservation and protection of open space can accomplish the state’s environmental goals.
The plan, developed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, will guide funding through the Environmental Protection Fund to safeguard important habitats and natural resources across New York. The 2016 Open Space Conservation Plan is available here.
Photo: Chuck Feil
The final Open Space Conservation Plan details Governor Cuomo’s environmental goals, including:
- ensuring clean water, air, and land for a healthy public and vibrant economy;
- greening New York’s economy;
- protecting natural resources and promoting outdoor recreation;
- increasing, deepening, and improving the visitor experience to state parks and lands;
- creating a 21st century parks system that is aesthetically compelling, energy and operationally efficient, and built to last.
“The Open Space Plan sets forth a clear vision for conserving those lands that are vital to the future of our state,” said Land Trust Executive Director Andy Zepp. “In the Finger Lakes region, priority projects identified in the plan will help ensure public access to our lakes and also help ensure water quality. We applaud Governor Cuomo and his team for their strong commitment to New York’s environment.”
The plan was developed with the assistance of nine regional advisory committees composed of representatives of county governments and representatives selected by the Department of Environmental Conservation and State Parks, all knowledgeable in open space conservation.
