Environment (Parks & Recreation)

passed · New York · Senate May 18, 2026

S 1067: Establishes the New York state park adopt-a-trail stewardship program and the New York state park adopt-a-trail stewardship program fund

This bill establishes a program allowing individuals and nonprofit groups (like parks' friends organizations) to partner with New York State Parks to maintain and enhance designated trails. Participants sign agreements to preserve trails' natural, cultural, and historical features through activities such as litter removal, trail repairs, and installing benches or interpretive signs. The program includes specific rules for sponsor signage (circular, ≤5 inches, sponsor name ≤25% of sign) and creates a dedicated fund to support these stewardship efforts. It ensures no current park workers lose jobs or benefits due to the program.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables community trail maintenance through litter removal and preservation of natural features, directly advancing environmental conservation and protection efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1696: Preserves ecological integrity, wildlife and open space in the Adirondack park

Preserves ecological integrity, wildlife and open space in the Adirondack park; strengthens land use and development provisions in the Adirondack park so as to curtail rural sprawl.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly preserves ecological integrity, wildlife, and open space while strengthening land use regulations to curb sprawl, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Wildlife

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 1363: Prohibits the nonemergency application of pesticide or lawn care pesticide within any municipal park lands and lands under the jurisdiction of the state office of parks, recreation and historic preservation

Prohibits the nonemergency application of pesticide or lawn care pesticide within any municipal park lands and lands under the jurisdiction of the state office of parks, recreation and historic preservation; requires notice of pesticide application.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits nonemergency pesticide use in parks, reducing chemical exposure to ecosystems and public health, aligning with environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7325: Relates to competitive grants for water quality infrastructure projects

Requires no less than two percent of all state competitive grants for water quality infrastructure projects to be awarded to municipalities located in the Adirondack park and Catskill park.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates 2% of water quality grants for Adirondack/Catskill parks, directly funding environmental protection in sensitive ecosystems.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation Water Quality

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4710: Requires forest management plans for certain lands and forbids clearcutting without, and increases the jurisdiction of the Adirondack park agency over clearcutting

Requires forest management plans, subject to the approval of the department of environmental conservation, for certain lands subject to a conservation easement purchased by the state; forbids clearcutting on such lands without such forest management plan; increases the jurisdiction of the Adirondack park agency over clearcutting.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentForbids clearcutting without approved forest management plans and expands environmental agency authority, directly protecting forests and strengthening conservation regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry Parks & Recreation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1823: Requires solar panels on installed light fixtures

This bill requires all new light fixtures installed on state parks, parkways, and other lands under the office's jurisdiction to include solar panels. It applies to new installations only, with exceptions for fixtures with historic design or locations receiving inadequate sunlight (such as tunnels or underpasses). The law takes effect immediately upon passage. It directly affects state park and recreation facilities managed by the office.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates solar panels on new state park fixtures, promoting renewable energy use in public infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates solar panels on new state park lighting, promoting renewable energy use and reducing carbon footprint.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Parks & Recreation

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 10, 2026

S 1377: Creates a legislative task force on outdoor environmental education and recreation

Creates a legislative task force on outdoor environmental education and recreation that will benefit residents of New York state by fostering stewardship and conservation of the environment, and an appreciation of the importance of the wise use of natural resources as well as acknowledgment of the health benefits of time spent in nature.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates task force to foster environmental stewardship, conservation, and appreciation of natural resources, directly advancing environmental education and protection goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1252: Requires forest management plans for certain lands and forbids clearcutting without, and increases the jurisdiction of the Adirondack park agency over clearcutting

Requires forest management plans, subject to the approval of the department of environmental conservation, for certain lands subject to a conservation easement purchased by the state; forbids clearcutting on such lands without such forest management plan; increases the jurisdiction of the Adirondack park agency over clearcutting.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires forest management plans, bans clearcutting without approval, and expands agency oversight to protect forests and conservation areas.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry Parks & Recreation

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