A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)
If you haven’t yet heard, the New York State Parks and Historic Sites Department is celebrating its centennial – its 100th anniversary – and it has a number of programs to celebrate it since the start of 2024. I’ve said before that New Yorkers are incredibly lucky to live in a state like this, where despite the troubles and differences we may share with each other, we have a gorgeous and diverse natural landscape to enjoy as we go through our days. When I visit Bear Mountain State Park, stop to see the Finger Lakes in Central New York or visit Niagara Falls out west, I see the appeal of settling in this state that travelers from Europe saw. And I want to encourage any reader to visit one of the plethora of parks and historic sites this state has to offer! Living in the Hudson Valley, most of us know New York has some of the best state parks in the country. But how many of you have also visited some of the historic sites of Orange County? We’re home to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, located in New Windsor, a site previously occupied by the Continental Army during the final months of the American Revolutionary War. It was the first hall of this kind in the nation, established in 1932 to honor the 1.8 million Purple Heart recipients this nation has had in its history. Our state has sites like these, and many more that are worth the trip to see them! In the meantime, I’ve been working to ensure we can all continue to enjoy the outdoors of this state more and more. For example, I’ve sponsored legislation that looks to help promote New York’s vast hunting and fishing opportunities and provide sportsmen with the most up-to-date information for their favorite pastime. My estimation for the improved partnership between sportsmen and local governments would be that the cost for implementing the program is minimal, and local governments might even see more revenue as a result. The outdoors offer enjoyment for those of any age groups and background, and on the 100th anniversary of our state’s parks department, it just makes sense to invest more into spreading awareness of the opportunities we have here. I hope you all spend some time this summer enjoying the parks, the sites and the recreational activities this state has to offer. Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Goshen, Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website at www.yourfavoriteassemblyman.com
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