Open Space Institute

The Open Space Institute protects land for people, for wildlife, forever. For the latest news on OSI: ✅Subscribe to our emailed newsletter: openspaceinstitute.org/subscribe ✅Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/openspaceinst ✅Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/openspaceinsti… ✅Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/open-s… ✅Visit our website: openspaceinstitute.org

New York is demonstrating real conservation leadership. By maintaining the Environmental Protection Fund at its historic level of $425 million and investing in capital improvements at its state parks and public lands, @GovKathyHochul is reaffirming that protecting land and water is essential to public health, economic vitality, and quality of life across the state. OSI applauds this sustained commitment to New York’s natural resources and public open spaces. openspaceinstitute.org/news/exec-budg…

@GovKathyHochul’s proposed executive budget reaffirms New York’s leadership in conservation. By maintaining the Environmental Protection Fund at its historic level of $425 million, the Governor is ensuring strong protection for land, water, and wildlife across the state. OSI applauds this commitment to safeguarding natural resources for the health and well-being of all New Yorkers. #Conservation #EPF #NYStateParks

Thank you to the New York State Legislature for its consistent leadership in championing environmental funding. Over the past several years, legislative proposals have helped secure historic investments in land and water protection. We look forward to working together to ensure this year’s budget reflects @GovKathyHochul’s bold vision for a cleaner, healthier New York.

We applaud Governor @KathyHochul for her strong commitment to New York’s environment in Tuesday’s State of the State address. Her proposed budget includes $425 million for the Environmental Protection Fund and $3.75 billion for clean water over five years—critical investments that will protect land, safeguard water, and strengthen communities across the state. Together, we’re building a healthier, more resilient New York.

OSI was proud to help secure permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the Great American Outdoors Act in 2020 & today we thank the House of Representatives for protecting #LWCF's full $900M in FY26. We look forward to a great year of conservation, clean water, & welcoming parks and trails for everyone. @LWCFCoalition

The #NYEnviroFund powers 350,000 jobs and nearly $40 billion in economic activity every year—strengthening local economies while protecting the places we love. OSI is proud to help lead the charge for robust environmental funding in the New York State budget. Thank you @GovKathyHochul @NYSenate @NYSA_Majority for your commitment! #CleanWaterAndJobs

Gov. Hochul announced $25M for the new Open Space Conservation Grant Program, a transformative step toward protecting land, improving water and air quality, and expanding access to green spaces statewide. Thank you, @GovKathyHochul, for championing land protection! Read the full release here: governor.ny.gov/news/governor-…

A proud day for conservation—and for OSI’s New York State advocacy work. After years of championing the use of title insurance to remove bottlenecks in land acquisition, OSI celebrates the agreement between Governor Hochul, Attorney General James, and the Department of Environmental Conservation. This milestone agreement, which will allow the strategic use of title insurance in DEC projects, will modernize New York’s land protection process and significantly reduce delays—speeding the transfer of thousands of acres currently held by land trusts in anticipation of state take-out. Together, we’re creating a greener, more resilient Empire State. Read OSI’s full statement: openspaceinstitute.org/news/title-ins…

OSI applauds New York’s leaders for accelerating land conservation! Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and the Department of Environmental Conservation have taken a bold step to modernize land protection. Through a newly announced Memorandum of Agreement, the state will streamline review processes and allow the strategic use of title insurance for many fee and easement transactions—a reform OSI has long championed. This breakthrough will speed conservation projects and help fulfill the promise of the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act, safeguarding the landscapes that define and enrich our communities. Learn more: openspaceinstitute.org/news/title-ins…

THANK YOU NEW YORK VOTERS! Prop 1, which will set aside an additional 2,500 acres for conservation in the Adirondacks, was approved yesterday. Prop 1 was approved by voters in 93% of New York State’s counties, and we appreciate each and every vote of support. Thank you for helping expand protected lands in the Adirondacks—a critical region for wildlife habitat, clean water, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and outdoor recreation.

OSI Proudly Supports New York State Proposition 1 Election Day is almost here, New York! This Tuesday, make your voice heard — vote YES on Prop 1, a smart, balanced solution for the Adirondacks. Why Prop 1 matters: 🌲 Adds 2,500+ acres to the Adirondack Forest Preserve 🏞️ Expands public access and recreation at Mount Van Hoevenberg 🌎 Protects clean air, water, and the wild places we all cherish Let’s safeguard nature and strengthen communities — for today and generations to come. ✅ Vote YES on Prop 1 Find your polling place: voterlookup.elections.ny.gov

OSI Supports Proposal 1: A Balanced Path Forward for New York’s Adirondack Park The Open Space Institute is proud to support Proposal 1, a New York State constitutional amendment that offers a thoughtful resolution to long-standing land use challenges at the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex in the Adirondacks. Proposal 1 would: ✅ Bring the complex into alignment with New York’s “Forever Wild” protections ✅ Add 2,500 acres of new public land to the Adirondack Forest Preserve ✅ Ensure environmental safeguards and public input for future development For over 45 years, this land has supported Olympic training and public recreation. Proposal 1 honors that legacy while expanding protections for nature and access for all. OSI believes this is a win for conservation, community, and the future of New York’s Adirondack Park. 📸 Bill Amos

New York’s flagship land conservation programs have a tremendous legacy—however, in recent years government bureaucracy has resulted in long delays and steep declines in the state’s rate of land protection. The use of title insurance is essential for modernizing the state’s acquisition process and improve the rate of land protection. All but one other state, as well as federal and local government agencies, use title insurance as part of their land conservation practices. We urge @GovKathyHochul @NYSenate @NYSA_Majority Senator @AndreaSCousins and Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie to support the use of title insurance for conservation in the final #NYBudget! timesunion.com/opinion/articl…

More than 100 conservation and environmental organizations support a $10 million allocation for the construction and planning of greenway trails in the final New York State Environmental Protection Fund budget. Greenway trails are an invaluable public amenity that connect communities to nature and each other. Read more in this letter to Senator @AndreaSCousins @NYSenate and Assembly Speaker @CarlHeastie @NYSA_Majority #NYBudget #CleanWaterAndJobs

New York State’s environmental funding protects clean air and water for our communities, and so much more. We urge @GovKathyHochul @NYSenate @NYSA_Majority to include $500 million for the #NYEnviroFund in the final #NYBudget! #CleanWaterAndJobs

Thank you @GovKathyHochul and @NYSDEC for your actions to defend and protect New York’s natural resources and ensure that all New Yorkers, today and tomorrow, will enjoy cleaner air and water. governor.ny.gov/news/statement…