Environment DEC
From the July 2007 issue
DEC Commissioner Grannis Announces New Trails Supporter Patch
New York State Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis marked National Trails Day by announcing the forthcoming availability of the new Trails Supporter Patch. Proceeds from the sale of this patch will help protect and enhance the state's public trail network and promote outdoor recreational activity.
"New York State has an extensive network of trails and hiking areas which provide tremendous outdoor recreational opportunities for the public to use and enjoy," Commissioner Grannis said. "The new Trails Supporter Patch enables New Yorkers to do their part to support trail maintenance projects across the state and encourages public stewardship of our valuable natural resources."
Elizabeth "Betsy" Lowe, Region 5 Regional Director, holds one of the new patches
The colorful patch depicts a winding trail leading from the water to the mountains-a scene typical of many of New York's trails. It's a visible reminder of the state's wonderful legacy of public trails connecting people to the natural landscape and our environment.
Sales To Help Trails
The new $5.00 Trails Supporter Patch will be available for purchase soon at all outlets where sporting licenses are sold and via DEC's website. Proceeds from the patch will help maintain and enhance trails throughout New York State that are not open to motorized vehicles. All monies raised will be deposited in the Conservation Fund's Outdoor Recreation, Trail Maintenance, and Development Account. DEC administers more than 3,500 miles of restricted-use trails in state forests, wildlife management areas, forest preserves and multiple-use areas.
Funding from sales of the patch also will provide DEC's partners in the Adopt-A-Natural-Resource Stewardship Program with additional money to maintain more trails. This is a volunteer-based program that assists with trail maintenance on lands administered by DEC.
Among the trails that will benefit from the patch are some of New York's finest and most well known, including the Northville-Placid Trail, the main Finger Lakes Trail and the Long Path.
