GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF SCHUNNEMUNK MOUNTAIN

Breathtaking 2,400-Acre Mountain Ridge Will Become 163rd New York State Park

"Acquiring the Schunnemunk Mountain Ridge is a true milestone in New York State's long and proud history of environmental conservation," Governor Pataki said. "By working together, we have created an incredible new State Park that expands recreational opportunities in the Hudson Highlands and continues our efforts to protect the best of our outdoor heritage.

"Thanks to the dedication of our friends at the Open Space Institute, generations of New York's families and visitors will learn to better appreciate our environment through enjoyment of this magnificent mountain's extensive network of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and natural beauty."

The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will acquire the property from OSI using approximately $2.5 million from the State Environmental Protection Fund. The land will be managed by the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and will be opened to the public after the State formally closes on the property.

Senator Bill Larkin said, "This exciting announcement by Governor Pataki demonstrates his vision and desire to maintain our most precious natural resources. I believe that ours is one of the most scenic and exceptionally beautiful areas of the State. For those of us who live in Orange County, we can look at the acquisition of Schunnemunk Mountain as an important victory, knowing that the unique charm of the Hudson Valley is being continually preserved."

Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun said, "Once again Governor Pataki has displayed his commitment to preserve open spaces for use by all New Yorkers. As a result of his tireless efforts, future generations will be able to enjoy the natural beauty characteristic of Schunnemunk Mountain."

With an elevation of nearly 1,700 feet and extending more than eight miles, Schunnemunk Mountain forms the western boundary of the Hudson Highlands and is the dominant landscape feature noticeable while traveling on the New York State Thruway near Rockland County. The mountain is covered by deciduous hardwoods, scrub and pitch pine, an understory of blueberry and one of the most extensive stands of mountain laurel in the area.

Orange County Executive Joseph G. Rampe said, "Governor Pataki is to be congratulated for his initiative and foresight in proposing the permanent protection of a majestic piece of Orange County's landscape that will be enjoyed by County residents, other New Yorkers, and visitors to our State for many generations to come."

Schunnemunk Mountain also serves as the natural backdrop for the Storm King Art Center, a leading sculpture park and museum with a collection of 230 sculptures featuring the work of many famous artists.

DEC Acting Commissioner Gavin J. Donohue said, "Governor Pataki continues to demonstrate his absolute commitment to the preservation of the Empire State's outstanding open space resources. Schunnemunk Mountain, a priority of the State Open Space Plan, has long been considered to be a critical link in the region's trail system and is well-deserving of permanent protection."

OPRHP Commissioner Bernadette Castro said, "State Parks is proud to be the steward of such an extraordinary property. The Governor deserves thanks and praise for the establishment of this beautiful new State Park which will provide so many New Yorkers and visitors to the Empire State with great hiking trails and protect scenic vistas of the Hudson Highlands. The preservation of this recreational resource is another example of Governor Pataki's commitment to quality State parks and protecting our open spaces for the enjoyment of generations to come."

The Open Space Institute (OSI), a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of the open space resources of the Hudson Valley, began acquiring portions of the mountain in 1996 and partnered with the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, New York 's oldest and largest trails advocacy group, to maintain the property's extensive trail network.

Joseph Martens, President of the Open Space Institute, said, "OSI has been working since 1996 to ensure that this beautiful mountain and valley is protected. Today's announcement by Governor Pataki ensures Schunnemunk will be available for public use and enjoyment forever."

Neil Woodworth, Counsel to the New York-New Jersey Trails Conference and the Adirondack Mountain Club, said, "Schunnemunk Mountain is the jewel of the Hudson Highlands. The State's purchase of this wild and unspoiled mountain forever preserves its breathtaking views, unique geology and beautiful trails for generations of hikers."

Since 1995, Governor Pataki has invested more than $300 million to preserve more than 300,000 acres of pristine open space throughout New York State. The Schunnemunk Mountain property is listed as a priority parcel for acquisition in the State's Open Space Conservation Plan. The park will be managed as a passive, natural resource protection park.