The findings of State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s annual report are alarming: New York State now faces a budget deficit that is considerably worse than expected, and a number of essential programs and services are in danger due to growing financial strains. Our state parks and public lands may once again be seen as disposable by some when lawmakers face tough choices to balance the budget. However, history and empirical data demonstrate that this would be an expensive error.
This situation is not new to us. In order to save just $6 million in 2009, at the height of the Great Recession, New York almost closed 100 state parks and historic sites. The public’s response was forceful and quick. In the end, lawmakers discovered alternate solutions after realizing that the cost of destroying our natural heritage was too high, and New Yorkers from all around the state came together to defend these treasured areas.
The stakes are significantly bigger today. New Yorkers have learned over the last ten years that public lands are necessary infrastructure, not extravagances. In addition to improving our quality of life and boosting our economy, our parks and greenways also have important positive effects on the environment and public health.
In actuality, New York State’s parks and trails produce almost $5 billion in economic activity annually, which is comparable to the state’s illustrious agriculture industry. Thousands of jobs in tourism, recreation, and hospitality are supported by our public lands. Nearly $9 is returned to local economies for every $1 spent on our park system.
Our public lands served as lifelines during the pandemic, when many interior areas were closed, offering secure locations for recreation, exercise, and spending time in nature. State parks saw an unprecedented 88 million visitation in 2024, highlighting their vital significance in New Yorkers’ daily lives.
However, our public lands are worth much more than just pennies. From Niagara Falls to Harlem Riverbank State Park, these priceless areas unite communities, promote environmental justice, and guarantee that everyone, regardless of income or ZIP code, has equal access to nature. Our parks and greenways act as flood barriers, carbon sinks, and cooling areas in our hotter towns and cities as climate change picks up speed.
In contrast to 2009, we now recognize that public lands are essential to a resilient, healthy, and thriving New York, not just a luxury. In a divided world, these democratic gathering places for individuals from all walks of life are a rare and valuable resource.
We must fight the urge to see our parks and trails as nothing more than budget line items as we face the financial difficulties detailed in DiNapoli’s report. Long-term expenses will result from short-term savings. The cost of deferred maintenance, which currently has a $3.5 billion backlog, will only increase. Underprivileged populations will be most affected by reduced access. Local economies and small companies will suffer from lost tourism revenue.
Understanding the stakes for New York’s leadership is equally crucial. In the areas of environmental stewardship, outdoor leisure, and conservation, Governor Hochul has established an impressive record. New York has made unprecedented investments in parks, open spaces, and climate resiliency under her direction.
In addition to endangering the advancements made for our environment and public health, cutting funding to the state parks department or the state department of environmental conservation now would needlessly tarnish a legacy of progressive leadership at a time when New Yorkers most need it.
Both the problems and the answers are genuine. Let’s investigate progressive revenue choices, public-private partnerships, and targeted efficiency that protect and enhance these essential resources instead of focusing on our public lands.
New Yorkers need to speak up in the upcoming months. Our parks and trails are vital to our identity, our economy, and our future; they cannot be replaced. The decisions we make now will determine the legacy we leave for future generations. Let’s decide to save New York’s public lands not only because it is morally good, but also because it makes sense.
White is Parks & Trails New York’s executive director.
