PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Deaunte Johnson, Policy Fellow at New York League of Conservation Voters
1:52:41
ยท
120 sec
Deaunte Johnson, representing the New York League of Conservation Voters, testified about the importance of well-managed parks and green spaces in combating brush fires and other climate-related issues in New York City. He emphasized the need for increased funding for the parks system and its workforce, particularly in light of recent budget cuts.
- Highlighted the occurrence of 229 brush fires in NYC parks between October 29th and November 14th of the previous year
- Criticized the lack of budget restorations for the Parks Department, which has impacted safety and accessibility, especially in environmental justice communities
- Called for a $95 million budget for NYC Parks in FY26, including $36.2 million for resilient parks, to fund forestry and natural area staff
Deaunte Johnson
1:52:41
Good afternoon.
1:52:41
My name is Deontay Johnson.
1:52:43
I'm the policy fellow at the New York Legal Conservation Voters.
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NOLCV is a statewide environmental advocacy organization representing over 30,000 members in New York City.
1:52:51
Thank you, chairs Christian Areola, and the members of the committees on Parks and Fire and Emergency Management for the opportunity to comment.
1:52:57
As the effects of climate change continue to be felt all across America, we must actively fight, for our environment and the people most vulnerable.
1:53:04
Last year between October 29th November 14th, FBNY responded to at least 229 brush fires.
1:53:10
These fires occurred in all 5 boroughs and our beloved parks as temperature soared above 70 degrees in the early days of November.
1:53:17
Well managed parks, trees, and green spaces are critical to combat the risk of brush fires and other climate related problems in our city.
1:53:23
A lack of robust long term funding for our park system threatens New York City parks in the strained workforce.
1:53:28
To thrive, we must invest in parks and parks workers because when our parks flourish, so does our city.
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The park's budget is essential to making sure our parks work for all New Yorkers.
1:53:36
New York City parks was the only city agency to not receive budget restorations impacting safety and accessibility, especially in vulnerable environmental justice communities.
1:53:44
Last year's parks budget cuts, particularly in the parks department's natural resources group, increased the likelihood of fires in our city's parks since there was an overall lack of park maintenance with fewer trails and less debris being cleared.
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As a result, there weren't enough maintenance workers for sufficient debris removal allowing the perfect conditions for fires that were preventable.
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For f y 26, the Play Fair For Parks Coalition requested a total of $95,000,000 for New York City Parks including 36.2000000 for resilient parks.
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This means a 148 forestry staff for tree care on streets and in parks and 76 natural area staff to manage and maintain 12,000 acres in natural areas, 300 miles of trails, and increasing access and protection against fires in our city parks.
1:54:23
The fight against climate change is one that requires an active and targeted action in all aspects of our daily life.
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Our park service the lungs of our city providing critical green space in every borough, promoting community building, economic growth, and climate resiliency.
1:54:35
Our parks deserve investment because when our parks flourish, so does our city.
1:54:38
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.