Dear Scenic Hudson Member,

You've heard the news -- New York State's budget is facing the prospect of severe cuts. Let's ensure that Governor Paterson understands the full benefit of land conservation and revitalizing waterfronts as core components of an economic stimulus package.

The governor is preparing his proposed executive budget and will present it to the people of New York and the state legislature on Tuesday, Dec. 16. That means we have less than one week to influence his draft plan for the revival of New York in the Quadricentennial year.

You know the benefits of land conservation -- great destinations for being with friends, enjoying nature and achieving your vision of a healthy lifestyle. But there are also economic benefits. Consider the following:

• Investments in farmland protection decrease the cost of community services upon taxpayers. Studies conducted statewide indicate that farm and forestland require $0.29 in services for every $1 paid in local taxes. By comparison, the cost of community services for an average home frequently requires $1.27 in services for every $1 paid in local taxes.
• Creating park-like destinations on our urban waterfronts helps attract businesses to the region. In a recent nationwide survey, business leaders cited "scenic beauty" and "nature" as key assets of Hudson Valley locations.
  
• And, of course, saving land does more than help people -- it helps wildlife. The Hudson Valley represents just 15 percent of the state's land mass, but is home to 85 percent of the state's diverse animal and plant species. Protecting habitat during an economic slump when land values are low is much more cost effective than waiting for property values to soar during boom times.

New York State is fortunate to have an Environmental Protection Fund that delivers important programs for farmland and open space, waterfront revitalization, and management of our Hudson River estuary. So, please CLICK HERE to send a message to the governor calling for full funding of the EPF, as the crucial source for making these investments in our "green infrastructure."

Remember, Gov. Paterson is presenting his proposed executive budget next Tuesday, Dec. 16, so please visit this Web page and send him a letter today.

Sincerely,

Ned Sullivan
President
Scenic Hudson