We Stand up for Trails

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We Stand up for Trails MAINTAINING 2,144 MILES OF TRAILS IN NY AND NJ NYNJTC.ORG SPRING 2017 TRAIL WALKER NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE • CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE SINCE 1920 WE STAND UP FOR TRAILS DAN BALOGH DAN No matter what side of the po- As the significance of open litical spectrum you’re on, one space is debated, funding for thing we all value has come the agencies that manage pub- up for debate in the national lic lands—on both the federal conversation: the protection and state level—will be scru- of public open space and our tinized even further. Without continued access to it. When proper operating budgets, the conservation and steward- possibility that these parks will ship are viewed as minor be forced into piecemeal clo- affairs by federal policymak- sures is very real. That’s why ers, the effect trickles down to Trail Conference representa- the work of the New York-New tives travel to Albany, Tren- Jersey Trail Conference. Sever- ton, and Washington, D.C., to al looming issues may signifi- meet with elected officials and cantly impact local parks and speak about the importance trails in the near future. of access to nature for all. We While it’s not likely a mar- raise awareness about our quee park such as Yosemite work building, maintaining, or the Grand Canyon will be and protecting trails, and the turned over for commercial health and economic benefits endeavors, the federal gov- associated with experiencing ernment’s role in owning and the outdoors. Find out more safeguarding public land is a about our conservation and question that will not be re- advocacy efforts on pages 6-7. solved quickly or quietly. The Though the federal govern- Trail Conference maintains ment’s role in the protection trails in three areas managed of public lands is in question, by the National Park Service— one thing is certain: The peo- the Appalachian Trail, Dela- Wildlife Service. (Additional level. In the greater metropol- the Long Path. Our advocacy ple of the Trail Conference— ware Water Gap National Rec- federal lands are overseen by itan New York area, the Trail work and role in purchasing members, donors, volunteers, reation Area, and Morristown the Bureau of Land Manage- Conference has been involved key parcels of land for trans- and staff—will always take a National Historical Park. We ment and the U.S. Forest Ser- in open space protection since fer to state ownership contin- stand for responsible access to also support trail building and vice.) The Trail Conference the 1930s. We have played an ues to aid in the creation and public open space. Through a maintenance efforts in New proudly supports these vital important role in the preserva- expansion of public parks. It commitment to making a dif- Jersey’s Great Swamp National arms of the government as our tion of Storm King Mountain, allows us to improve access ference on trail lands in our re- Wildlife Refuge and Wallkill partners. the creation of Sterling Forest to the outdoors through the gion, we can all secure the val- National Wildlife Refuge, both This conversation, in turn, State Park, and the formation building of a better trail expe- ue in our trails, our parks, and managed by the U.S. Fish and intensifies the issue on a state of several state forests along rience. our connection with nature. Help Save Trail Conference Conserva- over 70 acres of our public Recreation Through our partnerships tion Corps and the funding lands. AmeriCorps is one with land managers, these AmeriCorps, to provide AmeriCorps of the many ways that the as Activism trail lands are protected and Help Improve Education Awards to our Trail Conference is able to cared for by our members, Corps members. The Trail engage our community in Making a difference starts donors, volunteers, and Trail Lands Conference Conservation service, and we encourage in our own communities. staff—outdoor-loving peo- Corps leveraged 602 com- everyone to spread the word The Trail Conference ple just like you. YOU can At the time this issue of Trail munity volunteers in over that this program deserves works to improve the trail make a difference to ensure Walker goes to print, there 5,132 hours of service last funding. AmeriCorps not experience in a relatively our parks and trails remain is another threat to the work season. Together, our Corps only works to improve small but incredibly diverse open and safe for all to en- of the Trail Conference: members and volunteers parks, it’s training the next region: from NYC to the joy. Please consider making the potential elimination of inventoried and maintained generation of conservation Catskills, the Water Gap to a gift to the Trail Confer- AmeriCorps from the fed- more than 124 miles of leaders. Learn how you can Breakneck Ridge—all the ence at nynjtc.org/donate. eral budget. This program trail, improved/built over 4 help save AmeriCorps at bit. places that make this area Your support has never provides the structure of the miles of trail, and improved ly/tc-sac17. so incredible to explore. been more important. VOLUME XLIV, NUMBER 2 ISSN 0749-1352 WHAT’S INSIDE: People for Trails: How the Long Pond Ironworks Bridge Was Rebuilt page 5 Campgaw Mountain Protecting Our Region’s County Reservation Keeping an Eye on Issues Parks From Invasives Adopts Trail Loop System That Impact Trails page 8 page 12 pages 6-7 2 | Spring 2017 TRAIL WALKER • NEW YORK-NEW JERSEY TRAIL CONFERENCE nynjtc.org Trail Conference Receives Highest Rating from Charity Navigator Great news: The Trail Confer- 4-star rating as a charity. work. Only 10 percent of the be recognized as 4-star orga- ence has received the highest This highest ranking indi- charities evaluated receive at nization. ranking from Charity Naviga- cates that we adhere to best least four consecutive 4-star With more than 1.5 million tor, again! practices and execute our evaluations. This designa- nonprofits across America, The New York-New Jersey mission in an accountable, tion sets the Trail Conference Charity Navigator aims to ac- Trail Conference has received transparent, and financially apart from its peers as a trust- centuate the work of efficient a 4-star rating from Charity efficient way. A 4-star rating worthy, responsibly managed and transparent organizations. Navigator, America’s largest verifies that the Trail Con- charity. Trail Conference do- Check out what it means to be and most-utilized indepen- ference exceeds industry nors expect accountability, a 4-star charity and view our dent evaluator of charities. standards and outperforms transparency, and concrete exceptional rating at bit.ly/ Jennifer Zack This is our fourth consecutive most charities in our area of results, and we are proud to tc-cn. JERRICA LAVOOY JERRICA HQ Reopening Saturdays During Peak Season With warmer weather comes extended hours at Trail Conference Headquarters. Our Trail Store will be open door enthusiasts sounds like a Saturdays during peak hiking fun way to spend a few hours, season, beginning April 1. we have a volunteer position Stop by 600 Ramapo Valley for you! We are seeking front- Rd. in Mahwah, N.J., for desk volunteers to tell folks maps, sunscreen, hats, and where to hike, spread our mis- more from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., sion, and take sales. Bonus: every Saturday through Ramapo Reservation is right November. We’d love to chat next door for great hiking be- about trails with you. fore or after! Contact Jennifer If sharing hiking know- Zack at [email protected] or ledge with your fellow out- 201.512.9348 x824 for details. Show Your Love of Trails at Our National Trails Day Open House National Trails Day is an event held across the country recognizing the power trails have in connecting people with nature. On Saturday, June 3, the Trail Conference will be celebrating National Trails Day with an open house at our historic headquarters in Mahwah, N.J. In partnership with REI, we’ll be hosting guided hikes through Ramapo Valley County Reservation and stewardship opportunities—including a litter pickup and invasives removal—to help make a difference at this popular park, located right next door to our building. We’ll be leading tours of our 125-year-old headquarters, where you can check out an art exhibition dedicated to the beauty of wildflowers. Our friends from REI and some of our other partner organizations will also be sharing ideas on ways to engage with trails and nature year-round. Refreshments will be available. Check nynjtc.org/events for more details. TRAIL WALKER (USPS Permit #970- Board of Directors 100) (ISSN: 0749-1352) is published Edward Saiff Chair quarterly by the New York-New Patricia Wooters Vice Chair Jersey Trail Conference as a benefit Rick Levine Treasurer of membership. Subscriptions are Daniel Hoberman Counsel VISIT US IN THE CATSKILLS! available to libraries only at $15 a year. Periodical postage paid at Directors Mahwah, N.J., and additional mailing TRAIL WALKER Chris Connolly John Magerlein Hammo’s offices. Postmaster: Send address Walt Daniels Ken Posner Mary Dooman Beth Ravit changes to the address below. VOLUME XLIV, NO. 2 SPRinG 2017 Andy Garrison Jeff Senterman BREW PUBSTAURANT/LODGE Craft beers: made by Ryan Fields Copyright 2017 by: AMBER RAY EDITOR Suzan Gordon Dave Stuhr Gaylord Holmes Ned Whitney New York-New Jersey STEPHANIE HINDERER DESIGNER Great food: made by Chef Steve Trail Conference, Inc. Richard Katzive 600 Ramapo Valley Road MISSION STATEMENT Staff Everyone welcome: Hikers, Mahwah, NJ 07430 The New York-New Jersey Trail Edward Goodell Mountains bikers, sportsmen, 201.512.9348 Conference is a federation of member Executive Director dogs, skiers, kids, and LGBTQ clubs and individuals dedicated Joshua Howard Opinions expressed by the authors do to providing recreational hiking Deputy Executive Director Transportation: not necessarily represent the policy opportunities in the region, and Don Weise Shuttle van available.
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