New York will boost funding for public lands, with the Environmental Protection Fund set to receive a record $425 million in the state’s 2026 budget.
The budget also increases grants for parks and trails from $2 million to $2.5 million, and raises the Connect Kids to Parks program from $3 million to $3.5 million. Parks & Trails New York, an advocacy group, praised the move, saying it will help maintain parks, improve trails, and expand outdoor access for children.
State parks saw a record 88.3 million visits in 2024, and tourism related to public lands added $3.7 billion to the state’s economy in 2021.
“Public lands are an enduring pillar of the state,” said Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks & Trails New York. “This investment will benefit communities and visitors for years to come.”
For more information, visit Parks & Trails New York's official website.
