The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation integrates the following objectives: to provide safe and
enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of
our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources. The agency is responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing these
resources for public enjoyment today and into the future.
The OPRHP Environmental Management Bureau assists in
responsible stewardship of natural resources. The bureau assists in protecting outdoor resources such as water and land; plants and
animals; the environmental health and safety of patrons and employees; and in ensuring compliance with environmental laws and
regulations.
With more than 225 diverse properties across the state, the agency offers visitors a variety of campgrounds, swimming
beaches, golf courses, swimming pools, nature centers and more than 1400 miles of trails. Our properties are also home to a
variety of plant and animal life that occur naturally in these areas help to clean and protect our environment. Approximately 90% of
state parks' property remain natural, with natural lakes, streams, rivers, ocean beaches and dunes, as well as scenic waterfalls,
gorges, springs and bluffs. Learn more about how biodiversity brings important
environmental services to our parks and communities.
Our state parks and historic sites are also hosts to scenic viewsheds, geologic features and both common and rare flora and
fauna. Over 100 species of native mammals, tens of thousands of species of insects, hundreds of fish species, 70 species of
amphibians and more than 300 species of birds find a home in New York. To learn more about the abundance of natural resources
to be found at our parks, be sure to visit one of our nature centers.
Responsible stewardship strives for a balance between public use and protection of all resources. In this effort, the agency
assures the continuation and enhancement of common and rare species, as well as natural communities, for present and future
generations to enjoy.