SHERBURNE – Legislation is on the table that could lead a long-term lease agreement between the New York State DEC and the non-profit group Friends of Rogers.

On Monday, Senator James Seward announced that he’s advancing legislation to protect long-term stability and local management for the state-owned Rogers Environmental Center in Sherburne. Ideally, the bill would authorize a formal 40-year lease agreement for the center that would allow Friends of Rogers to continue its educational mission and give the group more flexibility when it comes to programming and fundraising efforts.

Friends of Rogers took over educational programming at the center after the NYS DEC ceased funding in 2010. In 2011, the group struck a 10-year agreement with the DEC that allows Rogers to stay open to the public and gives the group the ability to continue environmental and educational programs while the DEC helps maintain grounds and facilities.

With that agreement set to expire in 2019, hopes are to reach a new agreement with more long-term commitments and fewer restrictions, according to Friends of Rogers Executive Director Simon Solomon.