By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-894504.mp3
Thacher Park, NY – Activists are calling on New York state legislators to "Stop Fooling with New York's Historic Sites and Parks!" Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas explains.
In February, some 55 State Parks and Historic Sites were threatened with closure... The Preservation League of New York State sent a letter signed by two dozen advocates from across the state, urging Governor David Paterson and Legislative leaders to fully fund the NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation, and to give state historic sites and parks the support they deserve. Dan Keefe is a spokesman for the the NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation. He points out that the sites have not been "affirmatively closed" - The Preservation League notes that powerful economic benefits flow to places that stress historic preservation, and that closing parks and historic sites would significantly impact local economies that rely on tourism. Calls to the Governor's office were not returned.