Staff Reports
A rally to save Wilson-Tuscarora State Park from Gov. David Paterson’s closure list is being held at 2 p.m. today.
Located along Lake Road in Wilson, the park encompasses 395 acres of mature woods, open meadows and marshland and has a boat launch and emergency storm shelter docks. Despite being a popular spot for local residents, the park has been targeted by Paterson as one of 41 state parks and 14 historic sites for closure to help balance the state budget.
Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte, who has already declared her commitment to saving parks within her district, is hosting today’s rally at Wilson-Tuscarora. Joining her will be the Wilson Town Board, Village of Wilson Mayor Pat Kelahan and village trustees and officials from Parks and Trails New York and Audubon New York.
DelMonte is encouraging residents to attend the rally and support the park. Currently slated for Shelter No. 2 at the park’s entrance, the rally will be moved to the park’s conference center in the event of rain.
Following the release of the park closure list last month, DelMonte asked state Parks Commissioner Carol Ash for support to keep Wilson-Tuscarora Park open. As an alternative, the lawmaker pledged to pursue remedies of closing the budget gap through cutting unfunded mandates to local government and school districts, and consolidating services in various state agencies.
Both DelMonte and State Sen. George Maziarz have had talks with Town of Wilson Supervisor Joseph A. Jastrzemski to explore options that would allow the town and the state to join forces in keeping the park’s boating, picnic and recreational facilities open this year.
That possibility is expected to be discussed further during today’s rally.
