Originally posted by the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, by Sheila Rayam
By Erin Crotty
February 13, 2016

In a state as large and diverse as New York, there will always be issues vying for attention. There is, however, one issue that impacts every New Yorker no matter if they live in a rural upstate community or in an urban center and no matter their political affiliation -- safeguarding our environment and natural resources.

In his 2016-2017 budget proposal, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a historic investment in protecting New York's natural resources and generations of New Yorkers, including ours, will see benefits for years to come.

Gov. Cuomo's proposal impacts the environment in key areas:

Provides for cleaner water and access to clean water. Clean water is essential for the survival of birds and people -- history has often shown our fates to be intertwined. New York's clean waterways provide the foundation for healthy ecosystems. Ensuring these ecosystems are protected and improved is the purpose of much of the funding proposed by Gov. Cuomo. Additionally, investment in clean water infrastructure will have a huge economic multiplier effect as tourism and economic progress will continue to spring forward.

Sparks a renaissance for our parks and public lands. New York is blessed with stunning landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and majestic forests. Gov. Cuomo's budget provides funding for critical infrastructure and access improvements and stewardship projects so that people will have memorable experiences at our state parks and on our public lands. As an example, for the first time in more than 30 years, a pair of piping plovers successfully nested on the eastern shores of Lake Ontario in 2015. After decades of conservation efforts by many partners, the Great Lakes piping plover population now numbers 75 breeding pairs.

Builds a bridge to our future. The funding proposed by Gov. Cuomo helps us inspire the next generation to care for our natural resources. Through Audubon New York's education centers, more than 6,000 young people each year learn more about the value of environmental conservation at seven education centers and sanctuaries throughout the state.

I'm sure that there are areas of Gov. Cuomo's budget that can and will stir controversy. Investing in our future and our environment simply isn't one.

Erin Crotty is executive director, state headquarters, of Audubon New York.

ERIN COTTY
GUEST ESSAYIST