Governor George E. Pataki today announced the purchase of 868 acres and an agreement to purchase an additional 1,350 acres of land as part of a major expansion of Sterling Forest State Park that will also protect the drinking water for millions of people in the region.

The purchase and agreement continue the Governor's major effort to preserve this valuable resource and will increase New York's largest State Park to more than 19,000 acres of pristine open space.

"By adding to the magnificent Sterling Forest State Park, which is just 90 minutes from Manhattan, we are giving millions of New Yorkers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy outdoors New York at its natural best,"Governor Pataki said. "By working together, we have created an incredible State Park for generations of New Yorkers to hike its trails, gaze over its scenic vistas and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the forest. At the same time, we are continuing to protect drinking water for millions of New York and New Jersey residents."

Located in Orange County, the Sterling Forest property is part of the Ramapo River Watershed, which provides drinking water for 25 percent of New Jersey's population. The purchase of the additional land will continue Governor Pataki's effort to ensure the property is managed for water quality protection.

Representative Sue Kelly said, "Sterling Forest is one of the Hudson Valley's true natural treasures. I commend Governor Pataki for his leadership on Sterling Forest and other important environmental initiatives. Sterling Forest is an important regional watershed and vital habitat to area wildlife and offers a dynamic setting for outdoor enthusiasts. I was glad to work with Governor Pataki in 1996 to secure federal funding for the acquisition of Sterling Forest and look forward to continuing that partnership in the future."

Representative Benjamin A. Gilman said, "The purchase and preservation of Sterling Forest, since its first conception, has been a prime example of cooperation -- cooperation between our Federal, State and local governments, as well as with citizens groups. This expansion of the land to be preserved is a commitment to continue the cooperation. We are all quite sensitive to the impact Sterling Forest has on the water supply of northern New Jersey, as well as the fact that it is the only remaining wilderness land within proximity to metropolitan New York. This expansion of the park land is further assurance to all our residents that the future needs of our region are uppermost in all our actions."

Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun said, "Once again, Governor Pataki has demonstrated his commitment to the environment and to Orange County. Sterling Forest is a treasure and acquiring the additional 2,000 acres, including the Conference Center, will protect and enhance these recreational opportunities in perpetuity."

New York State has reached an agreement with Zurich Centre Group to purchase approximately1,350 acres for $8 million, with the State contributing $4 million. Governor Pataki recently requested funding through the federal government's Forest Legacy Program to assist in this essential acquisition. In addition, a partnership similar to the one established in 1998 will be created to raise additional funds necessary to complete the acquisition.

The bulk of the 1,350 acres is located north of an existing Orange and Rockland power line that traverses Sterling Forest State Park. The 100-acre conference center, also part of the acquisition, is located on the south end of Sterling Lake and, as a result of the purchase, public access to the lake will be greatly enhanced. The closing is expected to occur in January 2001.

The second acquisition involves a 659-acre parcel purchased from New York University for $860,000. Rugged yet scenic, the acres are situated on the east side of County Route 84, also referred to as Sterling Lake Road, in the town of Tuxedo, Orange County. The property borders Sterling Forest State Park to the east and is located west of Tuxedo Park. The terrain is largely undeveloped. The property was purchased using $360,000 in funds from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). In addition, the Trust for Public Land and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission each contributed $250,000 towards the purchase.

The third acquisition totals 209 acres located in the Town of Warwick on the west side of Sterling Forest State Park. The property is predominantly vacant land and encompasses most of the remaining privately held land in the Town of Warwick. The property was purchased for $610,000 from B. Sears Hunter and the Lawrence W. Copans Trust. The acreage, some of which borders Greenwood Lake, was purchased entirely with funds from the EPF.

Title to these acquisitions will be taken in the name of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, which will allow for the payment of local taxes.

Louis Heimbach, Chairman, President and CEO of Sterling Forest LLC, said, "We are pleased to be able to facilitate this transaction which further enhances this beautiful existing State Park. Throughout the past half-century Sterling Forest LLC has been a great steward of this land and placing in the hands of the state will assure the continuation of its preservation."

New York University President L. Jay Oliva said, "We are very pleased to have transferred the 650 acres of University property in the Tuxedo area to the Trust for Public Land and ultimately the State of New York. The sale of this undeveloped property provides an important additional piece of land to the noble effort to preserve the 'green belt' in that region of the state. The sale is one with which both the University and the Trust for Public Land can be very pleased."

Mr. B. Sears Hunter said, "I am very happy that the land will be used for park purposes rather than having it developed it is a beautiful piece of property and it would be a shame to disrupt the landscape with residential or commercial buildings. I am pleased that the state will be stewards of this property."

Rose Harvey, Senior Vice President of the Trust For Public Land, said, "These are critical pieces in a much larger puzzle of hundreds of thousands of acres of contiguous wilderness habitat in the Highlands only 35 miles from 29 million people. Thanks to Governor Pataki, who sees and acts to support this larger vision, and to the landowners and the many supporters of this vision in Washington, New Jersey and private foundations who have and will work to continue to make it happen and complete the picture."

Joe Martens, President of the Open Space Institute, said, "Once again, Governor Pataki has shown an extraordinary commitment to open space protection in New York State. OSI and TPL are proud to have worked with the Governor to preserve Sterling Forest as an exceptional regional resource."

In 1996, Governor Pataki became the first Governor to fully fund the State's Environmental Protection Fund, which now provides $125 million annually for a wide variety of State and local environmental programs, including annual funding for state open space purchases.

State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner John P. Cahill said, "Under Governor Pataki's leadership, New York State has embarked on an unprecedented land conservation initiative, preserving more than 250,000 acres of forests, streams and shorelines through the investment of more than $200 million in Bond Act and Environmental Protection Fund resources. The preservation of Sterling Forest, the largest undeveloped parcel of land in the tri-state region, is a magnificent achievement and it will provide valuable public recreation and watershed protection for generations to come."

State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro said, "Governor George Pataki's commitment to the environment and open space preservation was proven with the original acquisition of Sterling Forest State Park two years ago. Today, Governor Pataki adds to this magnificent park through the Environmental Protection Fund. I commend him for protecting and preserving more open space and for enriching the lives of the tens of thousands of visitor who come to Sterling Forest State Park each year."

The $1.75 billion Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act provides an additional $150 million in authorization for open space conservation projects. Proposed by Governor Pataki and approved by the voters in November of 1996, the Clean Water, Clean Air Bond Act authorizes $50 million for state park improvement projects that provide public access to water bodies, upgrade water distribution and wastewater treatment facilities, protect environmentally sensitive park areas and enhance the experience of visitors to state parks and facilities.

In February 1998, the State of New York, with the assistance of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC), the State of New Jersey, the federal government and numerous private partners, made an unprecedented purchase of 15,280 acres of land to create Sterling Forest State Park at a cost of $55 million.