Yesterday, Governor Pataki issued this press release announcing the Lands and Forests purchase from the Open Space Institute and Trust for Public Lands; a project initially brought to them by NYNJTC's Trail Lands Consultant, John Myers and closely monitored by former NYNJTC President, Neil Zimmerman.

ADK and the Trail Conference helped organize and participated in the first meeting of a new coalition on May 30 to explore alternative funding means to replace the Bond Act. We reached consensus on a funding mechanism which may tap increased percentages of existing real estate and business franchise taxes to double the size of the Environmental Protection Fund. We are now preparing statements of need and meeting with key members of Governor Pataki's staff. I met with Lynette Stark, the Deputy Director for State Operations yesterday and briefed her on the meeting. We will followup with meetings with key leaders in the Assembly and Senate.

Neil F. Woodworth
Counsel
Adirondack Mountain Club
New York - New Jersey Trail Conference

June 5, 2000

GOVERNOR: STATE TO PROTECT 1,300 ACRES ALONG SHAWANGUNK RIDGE

Purchase Provides Critical Link for Public Access and Natural Resource Protection

Governor George E. Pataki today announced the State has agreed to acquire a critical 1,300-acre parcel along the famous Shawangunk Ridge in the towns of Mamakating and Wawarsing in Sullivan and Ulster Counties.

"The 'Gunks' hold a special place in the hearts of hikers, rock climbers and nature lovers," Governor Pataki said. "Besides being the home to numerous ecologically-rare plant and animal species, the Shawangunk Ridge provides outstanding recreational opportunities for the 500,000 New Yorkers and tourists who visit the area each year. This acquisition furthers our efforts to secure the integrity of the entire Ridge for public benefit, natural resource protection and tourism."

Acting on behalf of the State, The Open Space Institute and the Trust for Public Land, two non-profit land conservation organizations, have reached agreement with the Lands and Forest Corporation to sell the property to the State for $1,244,000, which will be financed from the State's Clean Water\Clean Air Bond Act.

Town of Mamakating Supervisor Mary Barbuti said, "It pleasure that I learned of the 130 acre state acquisition of property better known to us as the Shawangunk Ridge. Through this purchase we can feel secure in knowing that one of our most beautiful and natural resource areas will be protected for future generations to enjoy. Our area is unique in many natural resources and by protecting this region allows us the opportunity to develop this area as tourist attraction as well as recreational opportunities. And, of course the property continues to pay its share of local taxes."

Town of Warwarsing Supervisor Richard Craft said, "We in the Town of Warwarsing wish to thank Governor Pataki for his initiative in providing thousands of acres in and adjacent to the Town of Warwarsing for outdoor public recreation. As hosts to the thousands who will visit our region each year, we say welcome to a treasured resource. We are happy to share our forested mountains, streams and trail with the people of the Northeast."

"The protection of the 1,300-acre Lands and Forests tract places another link in a growing chain of public lands along the Shawangunk Ridge," said Joe Martens, president of the Open Space Institute. "Governor Pataki has given the people of New York a wonderful and lasting gift with the State's purchase of this stunning natural resource."

Dene Lee, project manager for the Trust for Public Land said, "Governor Pataki has taken yet another step to ensure that the precious resources of the Shawangunk region are protected and accessible to future generations of New Yorkers. Through the purchase of this property, a three-mile stretch of the Long Path, including a link to the Shawangunk Ridge Trail, will be protected, ensuring hikers and outdoor enthusiasts critical access to the Shawangunks."

The parcel contains an extensive dwarf pitch pine forest community, one of only two such examples of this forest community in the world. It also contains a three-mile portion of the Long Path, a 328-mile regional hiking trail which runs from the George Washington Bridge in New York City to John Boyd Thacher State Park on the Helderberg Escarpment just west of Albany. On the property, the Long Path links up with the 30-mile Shawangunk Ridge Trail, a hiking trail that traverses the geologically unique Shawangunk Ridge. The trail contains several scenic vantage points as it connects public lands from the western base of the Ridge at Bashakill Wildlife Management Area to Minnewaska State Park and the Mohonk Preserve along the northeast corner of the Ridge.

The property to be acquired by the State partially surrounds and provides improved access to a detached parcel of State Forest Preserve land on the top of the Shawangunk Ridge, south of Ellenville, Ulster County and serves as a key connector between public lands on the top of the ridge. Cox Road, a local town road, provides excellent access and parking opportunities for visitors.

The property crests at an elevation of 1800 feet and provides expansive vistas of the Spring Glen/Route 209 valley and rolling hills extending to the west. From the crest, the elevation falls off in a series of rugged steps to the valley floor, providing a challenging hike for the adventurous.

An old state highway, the remnants of the relocated Route 52, and a former town road, Old Mountain Road, allow a more sedate ramble from ridge top to the valley.

The land will be acquired as State forest land and managed to provide a wide variety of passive public uses, such as hiking, hunting, camping and bird watching. The State will pay local taxes on the property. A management plan will be developed by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to guide the long term management of the property.

"This remarkable landscape supports outstanding biodiversity, including eight rare natural communities, 27 rare plant and seven rare animal species," DEC Commissioner John P. Cahill said. "Through the Governor's commitment we will ensure the protection of these critical natural resources and provide the public with enhanced recreational opportunities in this spectacular region."

The Shawangunk Ridge\Minnewaska State Park area is one of 131 priority conservation projects identified in the State Open Space Conservation Plan. The protection of the Shawangunk Ridge has long been a top conservation objective in the region. Thousands of climbers trek to the area for its outstanding and difficult rock climbing routes, while thousands of others enjoy the beautiful trail systems at both Minnewaska State Park and the adjacent Mohonk Preserve, with its famed Mohonk Mountain House.

In addition, The Nature Conservancy, the nation's largest non-profit conservation organization, has identified the Shawangunk Ridge as one of the country's 'last great places' in recognition of the unique ecosystem and rare and endangered species found throughout the Ridge.

In 1996, Governor Pataki proposed and voters approved the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act which authorizes $1.75 billion for a variety of important environmental programs, including water quality improvements, open space protection, local solid waste management, restoration of brownfields and projects to improve air quality.

Since 1995, the State has invested more than $200 million from the Bond Act and the State Environmental Protection Fund to preserve more than 270,000 acres of land throughout New York identified in the State Open Space Plan.

Governor George E. Pataki today announced the purchase of 513 acres of land for the Clarence Fahnestock State Park in Putnam County. The $2 million purchase will increase the park acreage to nearly 11,000 acres.

"By protecting this pristine forest land, which is home to abundant wildlife and a crucial watershed, we will also enhance the recreational and scenic qualities of the entire area," Governor Pataki said. "Fahnestock offers countless opportunities for families to enjoy activities like hiking, birdwatching and picnicking. In fact, you could spend a whole day just gazing at any number of scenic vistas throughout this spectacular park."

The 513 acres remain virtually undisturbed by development, though there have been recent proposals to develop as many as 49 residential lots on the land. The purchase will protect the land from development, while preserving important wildlife habitat and a watershed area.

The parcel's elevation reaches more than 1,100 feet, has frontage on two roads, State Route 301 and Indian Brook Road, and is wholly located in the town of Philipstown, Putnam County. Views of the Hudson River and Bear Mountain Bridge can be found at some of the higher elevations.

The land is primarily steep and wooded, and contains several wetlands and stream segments that feed the Indian Brook and Clove Creek. The parcel is also home to several bird species, including the scarlet tanager, the chestnut-sided warbler and the hooded warbler.

Senator Vincent L. Leibell said, "The expansion of Fahnestock State Park by Governor Pataki is a wonderful step forward for our community, our State and our environment. This beautiful, scenic parcel will greatly enhance an already magnificent park and preserve for future generations some of the most unique and attractive undeveloped spaces that the Hudson Valley has to offer."

Assemblyman Willis H. Stephens, Jr. said, "The acquisition exemplifies this administration's continued commitment to preserving sensitive lands and providing new recreational activities for the people of the State of New York and Putnam County."

Purchase of the parcel, which was negotiated by Trust For Public Land and the Open Space Institute, is consistent with the 1998 New York State Open Space Plan, which identified properties adjacent to the Clarence Fahnestock State Park for purchase.

Funding for the purchase comes from the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act. The parcel is owned by Anita and Robert Jacobson. The public will be able to access this property via Stone Hollow Road or Route 301. A trailhead will be developed on the property in the near future.

In 1929, Dr. Ernest Fahnestock donated 2,400 acres of land to New York State in honor of his brother, Clarence Fahnestock. Clarence Fahnestock had purchased the acreage in 1915 and upon his death in 1918 left the property to his brother Ernest.

The park has grown by purchase and gift to its present size of nearly 11,000 acres. In 1995, Governor Pataki announced the addition of the 3,813-acre Hubbard and Perkins parcel, which was purchased with $4 million from the Environmental Protection Fund.

"Governor Pataki has long been committed to protecting the environment for the enjoyment of future generations. I thank him for that commitment and I am so pleased that this purchase will add hundreds of more acres to an already incredible state park," said Bernadette Castro, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. "Both the public and the environment will benefit from this purchase."