TAKE ACTION: Speak Out in Support of the NYS Open Space Conservation Plan Dear Peter, Late last month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo released his Draft New York State Open Space Conservation Plan, a sweeping document that outlines many strategies and projects designed to help safeguard our drinking water, protect farmland that produces healthy, local food and support communities in their efforts to prepare for storm resilience and addressing climate change. We're pleased to see the Cuomo administration recognizing the vital role that protected lands and open spaces play both in enhancing our quality of life and in fueling the Hudson Valley's strongest economic engines—outdoor recreation, tourism and farming. Unfortunately, there's critical lack of funding to implement the plan's conservation agenda. Support for environmental protection is just half of what it was seven years ago and has not recovered at the same rate as other programs. We Need Your Help We're asking Scenic Hudson members to speak out in support of the Open Space Conservation Plan and to call on the state to fund the governor's call to action. Here are two things you can do: 1. ATTEND A PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION This week, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is holding public hearings about the draft plan. Please try to attend: Capital District—Tuesday, Oct. 21
NYS DEC Region 4 Headquarters, Schenectady
Lower Hudson Valley—Tuesday, Oct. 21
Bear Mountain State Park
New York City—Wednesday, Oct. 22
NYS DEC Region 2 Headquarters, Long Island City There will be a workshop before each hearing and a choice of either an afternoon or evening session. See this page for additional details. 2. SUBMIT A PUBLIC COMMENT If you can't make it to a hearing, you can download and review a copy of the plan via this link and then submit a comment by email to LF.OpenSpacePlan@dec.ny.gov. Comments must be received by December 17. Restoring funding for environmental protection in New York is essential for our health, well-being and economic future. Thank you for helping with this important effort. | 
