Volunteers Sought 'Canal Clean Sweep'

ALBANY, NY (02/22/2011)(readMedia)-- In preparation for the 187th navigation season of the New York State Canal System and to mark Earth Day 2011, the New York State Canal Corporation, in partnership with Parks and Trails New York and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, today announced that it is seeking volunteers for the Sixth Annual "Canal Clean Sweep" scheduled for the weekend of April 15–17.

The Canal Clean Sweep highlights the canal system as a major recreational and tourism destination in New York state by encouraging communities, businesses and not-for-profit organizations to engage in cleanup and beautification activities on Canal lands and along the Canalway Trail. Last year, more than 90 groups participated in the Canal Clean Sweep weekend.

The Canal Corporation, Parks and Trails New York and EFC are seeking the assistance of canal communities and partners to organize clean-up activities in Canal parks, along public promenades, and on the Canalway Trail. The Canal Corporation will provide large bags and trash pickup at each of the events. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves and supplies, and to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

For more information on the Sixth Annual Canal Clean Sweep, or to help coordinate an event in your community, please contact Wally Elton of Parks and Trails New York at (518) 434-1583 or email canalsweep@ptny.org. To register events online, please visit Parks and Trails New York's website at www.ptny.org.

Michael R. Fleischer, executive director of the Canal Corporation, said, "The annual Canal Clean Sweep is a terrific opportunity for communities and our Canal neighbors to join with Canal staff to spruce up the Canalway Trail and other canal lands that are visited by thousands each year. The Canal Corporation once again is pleased to partner with Parks and Trails and Environmental Facilities Corporation for this significant volunteer effort."

Robin Dropkin, executive director of Parks and Trails New York, said, "The growth of the Canal Clean Sweep in recent years clearly shows that local pride in the Canal and the Canalway Trail is high and the spirit of volunteerism is flourishing across the state. Especially in such challenging economic times, the canal system and Canalway Trail, which are growing in prominence as a world-class tourism destination, become even more important as close-to-home recreational resources for local residents and all New Yorkers. We are pleased to again join community groups and citizens in cleaning up the canal corridor in advance of the summer season."

Matthew J. Driscoll, president and CEO of the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation said, "EFC is proud to partner with the Canal Corporation to celebrate Earth Day and promote the Sixth Annual Canal Clean Sweep. EFC encourages canal communities, partners, and volunteers to take part in the various cleanup events throughout the canal system and Canalway Trail. Volunteers can take pride in knowing that their cleanup and beautification activities during this weekend-long event will not only help the environment, but protect the beauty and water quality of our historic waterways for years to come."

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The New York State Canal System is comprised of four historic waterways, the Erie, the Champlain, the Oswego and the Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Spanning 524 miles across New York State, the waterway links the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and the Niagara River with communities rich in history and culture.

For more information about vacation opportunities and events along the New York State Canal System, please call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.canals.ny.gov. For information about boating safety and marine recreation in New York State, visit www.nysparks.com or call (518) 474-0445.

Parks and Trails New York is the only statewide nonprofit organization working to expand, protect and promote a network of parks, trails and open space across New York State for all to enjoy. Its work includes advocacy, outreach, and technical assistance to communities, bicycle tourism promotion, and bicycle tours such as Cycling the Erie Canal. For more information on the programs administered by Parks and Trails New York, please visit www.ptny.org .

EFC is a public benefit corporation dedicated to promoting environmental quality through a wide range of funding and technical assistance programs focused on protecting, improving and restoring New York State's natural resources. EFC also administers the State's Clean Vessel Assistance Program (CVAP), which provides grants to assist marinas, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations install pumpout and dump station facilities that receive sanitary waste from recreational marine vessels. For more information, please visit www.efc.ny.gov .

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