Directs the department of environmental conservation and the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to establish a three year hiking trail safety pilot program.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
5173
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 12, 2025
___________
Introduced by M. of A. TAGUE, SMULLEN -- read once and referred to the
Committee on Environmental Conservation
AN ACT to direct the department of environmental conservation and the
office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to establish a
hiking trail safety pilot program; and providing for the repeal of
such provisions upon expiration thereof
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. The department of environmental conservation and the office
2 of parks, recreation and historic preservation are hereby authorized and
3 directed to establish a hiking trail safety pilot program. Such program
4 shall:
5 a. increase warnings about the potential hazards of hiking and trail
6 use (i) at trailheads throughout the pilot program area, and (ii) on any
7 new trail maps subject to such pilot program;
8 b. increase warnings at scenic overlooks throughout the pilot program
9 area that may present a risk of a fall;
10 c. develop better information for hikers regarding wildlife encounters
11 and proper preparation for hiking, including, but not limited to, proper
12 footwear and attire, how much water to bring, requisite navigation
13 skills and leave no trace principles;
14 d. develop safety markers and a notification system similar to those
15 used at ski resorts within the state; and
16 e. be implemented by June 1, 2026.
17 § 2. This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire three
18 years after such date when upon such date the provisions of this act
19 shall be deemed repealed.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08612-01-5
