42-0109. Stewardship plan.1. The partnership shall develop a stewardship plan which shall represent the fundamental document defining the recommended protection and beneficial public use goals for the reserve and the means and techniques for their attainment. To the fullest extent practicable, the plan shall be consistent with the state open space plan and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor preservation and management plan, as such plans are amended. The plan shall include, but need not be limited to:
a. A survey or inventory of the following, together with the establishment of management priorities therefor:
(i) historic resources;
(ii) scenic resources;
(iii) recreational uses; and
(iv) farmland and agricultural related uses.
b. An economic plan that shall include but not be limited to:
(i) A main street element for traditional commercial streets in reserve communities;
(ii) A tourism plan with elements of branding, marketing and promotion; and
(iii) A strategy for small enterprise business financing and support to nurture entrepreneurs interested in launching business activity in the reserve particularly relating to services for tourists and businesses adaptively using historic structures.
c. Regional cost sharing opportunities helping municipalities in the reserve to approach common matters collectively through agreements.
d. An education program including publications and guided activities.
e. A financial plan for implementation of plan recommendations.
2. A draft plan shall be submitted to the commissioner, the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation and secretary of state within thirty months of the effective date of this article. The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation and secretary of state, may approve the plan, may return the plan to the partnership with recommendations for approval, or may reject such plan. Prior to submission of the draft plan, the partnership shall hold at least one public hearing on the draft plan in each county for which the plan is applicable. The local legislative body of each city, town or village within the boundaries designated by the draft plan must approve the plan following the public hearing or hearings and before it is submitted to the commissioner. A copy of the approved plan shall be provided to the governor, the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly.
3. Not less than once every five years the partnership shall review the plan, and shall include as part of such review a public hearing in each county for which the plan is applicable. The partnership shall propose amendments to the management plan as they are deemed to be necessary and appropriate.
Last modified: February 3, 2019