The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced a new program called “These Lands Are For Everyone”. It’s designed to open up State land and make it more accessible to people with disabilities and for inclusion of people that are from populations that are underrepresented in the outdoors.

Approximately 15 percent of New York is owned by the State. That’s over 4.5 million acres. Not much of it is accessible to people with mobility issues. This new program will help.

The These Lands Are For Everyone initiative is specifically designed to “create immersive, welcoming destinations for children with disabilities statewide.” To start, $10.8 million has been earmarked from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.

According to the announcement, this first round of funding will be used for two projects in western NY. One will create proper access to the scenic Zoar Valley. The other will be a “living environment” expansion at Reinstein Woods.

The new program will include tactile, sensory friendly exhibits to help people (especially children) with neurodiverse and other different abilities interact with nature and the environment in a hands-on manner. According to DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, these enhanced interactive experiences will provide “a lifetime of learning and foster a lasting connection to the outdoors.”

The DEC has been working with OPWDD (the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities) to use their expertise and design excellent exhibits. New York State Chief Disability Officer Kimberly Ridley pointed out that the new These Lands Are For Everyone program goes far beyond simple ADA compliance to create an immersive environment.

Glancing at the project at Reinstein Woods shows that it includes such things as electric scooters and special wheelchairs to access trails. They will be available for folks that need them, in a manner similar to the electric scooters that are at places like supermarkets or Home Depot for customer use.

The project in the Zoar Valley will include a special safe trail along the rim of the beautiful Cattaraugus Creek gorge. Access to spectacular views like that are rarely open to people with mobility issues. It’s good to see.

I’m very glad that the State is making efforts to open up more outdoor experiences to everyone. The DEC has an Accessible Recreation webpage with lots of information about destinations. Check it out.

Both of the kickoff projects are in western New York. They have to start somewhere. I can’t wait to report on future projects closer to our area and will keep everyone posted as I learn more. 

The new These Lands Are For Everyone program is great. There’s a line that I always close with, and I truly mean it.

Let’s all enjoy the outdoors!

John S. Van Etten is the current president of the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County, Inc.