Hundreds turn out to state park protest

ALLEGANY, N.Y. (WIVB) - The citizens' crusade to "Save Our State Parks" moved to Niagara County and the southern tier on Saturday.

The Governor's plan to close or scale back service at 55 state parks came as a shock.

On Saturday, at two different parks, Western New Yorkers turned out in force to say no.

"If we all band together, maybe we can keep this beautiful park open," exclaimed Mike Putt.

About 400 people turned out to oppose a plan that would close the Quaker Lake portion of Allegany State Park next winter, a park used by cross country skiers.

"It's a healthy lifestyle, it brings tourism to the area," said Andy Dickson.

"The Governor wants to take almost half of our trail fund and put it into the general fund. That's gonna cripple over 200 clubs and 10,000 miles of trail in New York State," Mike remarked.

Not to mention horse back riders.

Carol Lorenc stated, "We buy our gas, we buy food, we stop at Stagecoach, and we buy horse stuff. So, the economic impact from the horses is just one group that uses this park. The notion of closing the park to save money is insane."

"This is a tremendous asset to our region. Every year, Allegany State Park draws about 1.8 million visitors to our region. They spend lots of money when they're here, and so this whole plan to close part of the park is penny wise and pound foolish," Senator Cathy Young of Olean said.

Olean resident, Mark Baker said, "Well, people won't get a chance to see these guys (hawks) in their natural habitat. Closing the parks makes it worse."

Up in Niagara County, the message was the same for Wilson Tuscarora State Park, which would close under the Governor's proposal..

Bill Hudson of the Audobon Society expressed, "Closing the parks is like burning the furniture to keep your house warm."

"Middle America Main Street does not need another kick in the rear end. It's time to say 'no'. We won't tolerate it, and it's not gonna happen," Jerry Mosey of the Niagara Parks Commission said.

The Office of State Parks said these decisions were made based on what parks and services were not cost efficient, and that many parks, like Letchworth will be unaffected.

Legislators now have until the April 1st, 2010 to try to change the plan.