N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 44-0121: Greenway trail

§ 44-0121. Greenway trail.

1. The conservancy shall designate and develop or cause to be

developed a trail or pathway system consistent with the greenway

criteria connecting the city of New York from the southernmost boundary

of the area designated as the greenway to the Erie canal lock two park

in the town of Waterford, Saratoga county to be known as the Hudson

river valley greenway trail. To the fullest extent practicable, the

trail shall:

a. be located with direct physical or, if not physical, visual access

to the Hudson river;

b. be planned for both sides of the Hudson river;

c. have segments that can be restricted to non-motorized use;

d. utilize existing heritage trails, bikeways, scenic highways,

railroad rights of way and esplanades and make connections with other

trails including trails along tributaries of the Hudson river;

e. highlight and link existing parks, urban cultural parks and

historic sites;

f. provide for interpretive signage and opportunities to experience

the unique natural and cultural heritage of the valley;

g. reflect the natural and cultural diversity;

h. involve state and local agencies and private organizations in the

planning, development and maintenance of the trail of the greenway;

i. use the services of local school districts and the youth

conservation corps to participate in trail development and maintenance;

j. have segment management plans prepared for each segment of the

trail to assure uniform maintenance and upkeep; and

k. have connections to pathways that highlight the character and

resources of the countryside communities.

2. The greenway trail to the extent practicable shall be completed on

or before June first, two thousand five; provided that the conservancy

shall submit a plan for the trail to the governor and legislature within

twenty-four months of the effective date of this section and shall to

the extent practicable dedicate and open significant sections of the

trail on or before June first, two thousand. Planning for the trail

shall commence with the council and the conservancy sponsoring a Hudson

river valley greenway trail symposium to prepare a plan of action for

the planning and development of the trail. Representatives of local

governments in the greenway, interested nonprofit organizations,

representatives of the state and federal government, planners and

landscape architects along with any other interested parties shall be

invited to participate in the symposium.

3. The department and the office of parks, recreation and historic

preservation, the department of transportation and the office of general

services are hereby authorized and directed to support and assist in the

planning and development of the trail.