To Governor David Patterson, the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate:


 While we understand that in challenging economic times like this we need to make tough decisions, closing and significantly cutting back on services for New York State Parks is the wrong thing to do.  For all the taxes we pay. having recreation the parks provide not to mention preservation of the wild life and the environment of the parks is very important. We also believe that these are jobs that serve a true public interest.


Over the past two years, the State Parks system has  lost more than 850 permanent and seasonal staff, and equipment, maintenance and other operational areas have suffered equivalently. $400 Million in economic activity and nearly 4000 jobs in the private sector are tied into the State Parks programs on Long Island alone, and our State Parks generate $5 for the local economy for every $1invested in them.  In short, drastic cuts in the State Parks budget makes no sense whatsoever.

We urge and appeal to you you to find a way to save our parks and maintain the services that provide significant benefit for the public in New York State.

Thank you.

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