Diana Carter

This Draft Comprehensive Plan outlines a long-term vision and framework for the development and improvement of Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park. The plan aims to ensure the park remains a vibrant, relevant, and resilient recreational destination for the next 10 to 15 years. It addresses key areas including natural resources, cultural resources, recreational resources, operations, infrastructure, facilities, education, interpretation, and outreach. The overarching vision is to create an accessible, four-season destination offering diverse outdoor activities and natural experiences.

This Comprehensive Plan for Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park outlines proposed actions across a broad range of areas. It details improvements for natural and historical/cultural resources, upgrades to recreational facilities and trails, and enhancements to park infrastructure, circulation, and operations. The plan also prioritizes the expansion of educational programming, interpretation, and community engagement to enrich the visitor experience and support the park's long-term sustainability.

The board meeting included an introduction of the Acting Commissioner and a presentation on the Enslavement to Freedom initiative, which aims to commemorate the end of legalized slavery in New York State. The board reviewed and approved 19 nominations for the National Register of Historic Places, including various commercial tax credit projects, historic districts, and honorary nominations. The Deputy Commissioner provided updates on the Erie Canal Bicentennial, Revolutionary War commemoration efforts, and programmatic funding for preservation initiatives.

The 201st meeting commenced with roll call and featured an introduction of the new acting commissioner, Kathy Moer, who emphasized spreading awareness of the whole history of New York residents, including indigenous, enslaved, and revolutionary war narratives. A presentation detailed the 'Enslavement to Freedom' initiative, a multi-year project focusing on New York's history of slavery leading up to the 200th anniversary of the end of legalized slavery in the state in 2027. Key components of this initiative include developing temporary and traveling exhibits on topics like the early Dutch period, economic links to the Caribbean, family structures, black abolitionists, and the roles of black men and women during the Revolutionary War. The initiative also involves creating digital resources, engaging with K-12 social studies teachers, and developing an ArcGIS story map.

This document outlines the Hudson Highlands Visitor Use Management Plan (VUMP) which addresses the challenges and impacts resulting from increasing visitor numbers at the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. The plan's goals are to ensure visitor safety, protect and enhance natural and cultural resources, provide enjoyable recreation, and support the operation and management of the park.