NYLCV, our environmental partners and park lovers from around the state gathered at the Capitol in Albany on Wednesday to make a forceful case for not closing state parks. 

State Sen. Brian Foley speaks about defending parks during Parks Lobby Day.Last month, Gov. David Paterson proposed dozens of closures in every corner of the state, coupled with reduced hours at many other site. 

To make matters worse, his proposal was based on raiding the Environmental Protection Fund to pay for part of the parks budget. That means even more parks (up to a total of 131) could face closure if the Legislature stops the governor from raiding this fund.

Scores of people turned out for Wednesday's Parks Lobby Day, which was led by Parks & Trails New York. NYLCV was especially heartened by the presence of several legislators, including State Sens. Brian Foley and Jose Serrano, as well as Assembly Member Steve Englebright. 

Click above to tell your legislators not to close our state parks!"Appropriate funding for State Parks is important to both the economy and character of New York," said Sen. Serrano. "In the current difficult economic climate, demand for parks is at an all-time high, and the Governor's proposed budget would cause unprecedented park closings.  We cannot stand by as New Yorkers face losing the quality recreational environment on which they have come to depend."