LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim June 5, 2010, as Trails Day in the State of New York, in
conjunction with National Trails Day

WHEREAS, Trails Day in New York State, in conjunction with National
Trails Day, is an opportunity to increase public awareness of New York's
trail opportunities and diverse outdoor recreation activities, and to
promote the importance of a local, state, and national network of trails
and greenways; and
WHEREAS, Interest in outdoor recreational opportunities, including
walking, bicycling, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, cross-country
skiing, snowmobiling, and canoeing is on the rise with New York State
residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS, Trails in New York State enhance the quality of life for our
citizens and increase tourist activity in the State; and
WHEREAS, Trail activities are enjoyed by people of all ages and abili-
ties, and are an important part of New York's outdoor recreation
resources; and
WHEREAS, Trails contribute to the health of all New York by promoting
and encouraging physical activity; and
WHEREAS, Trails can help protect valuable open space; preserve natural
and historic resources; and provide safe, non-motorized transportation
routes to parks, schools, libraries, shops, employment, and neighbor-
hoods; and
WHEREAS, Trails can foster public-private partnerships, community
investment, and civic pride; and
WHEREAS, Parks & Trails New York is the only organization working
statewide to protect New York's parks and trails and helping communities
create new parks and trails; founded in 1985, Parks & Trails New York
has grown from a small group of park advocates to over 5,000 members and
supporters from every region of the State; and
WHEREAS, The mission of Parks & Trails New York is to expand, protect,
and promote a network of parks, trails, and open spaces throughout our
State for use and enjoyment by all; and
WHEREAS, As one of the most developed states in the nation, New York's
parks and open spaces are especially precious; they provide places for
people to play, picnic, exercise, and relax, and for plants and wildlife
to survive; they also preserve historic landscapes, keep us in touch
with our State's natural history, and provide a respite from urban and
suburban sprawl; and
WHEREAS, New kinds of parks, such as greenways, rail and canal trails,
and other linear parks, provide green corridors connecting cities,
villages, countryside, and natural areas; heritage corridors protect and
promote regional and State history; all of these parks, both traditional
and new, play a role in the quality of life for all New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State
of New York, supports this vital day and encourages the citizens of this
great Empire State to participate in the Trails Day activities scheduled
throughout the State to strengthen their commitment to preserving the
natural, scenic, and recreational qualities of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim June 5, 2010, as
Trails Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with National Trails
Day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.