State Acquires 187 Acres of Catskill Wilderness

Key Peck Hollow Parcel Becomes Part of the Forest Preserve

Governor George E. Pataki today announced that New York State has acquired 187 acres in the Town of Lexington, Greene County. The purchase increases recreational opportunities and consolidates state lands in the Catskill Forest Preserve.

"New York State is fortunate to have the diverse and unique natural resources of the Catskill Forest Preserve and we are continuing our efforts to conserve these important open spaces," Governor Pataki said. "This acquisition helps link existing Forest Preserve land to protect wildlife and offer additional recreational opportunities for all New Yorkers to enjoy."

The State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) purchased the land for $197,000 through the State's Environmental Protection Fund from Cornwall Associates, LLC. The acquisition lies on the lower slopes of Mount Sherrill and North Dome, both trail-less peaks higher than 3,500 feet, at the head of Peck Hollow Road. The land is within the New York City watershed and contains the Peck Bushkill stream - a significant trout habitat.

Senator James Seward said, "Even as we evaluate the proposed master plan for the Catskill Park, it is important to take advantage of opportunities to ensure open space is available to a variety of recreational users. I applaud the Governor for taking the initiative in acquiring the Peck Hollow parcel and its value in benefiting the environment and traditional outdoor American pursuits."

Assemblyman Daniel Hooker said, "I am a strong supporter of preserving our open spaces. I look forward to working with Governor Pataki and Commissioner Crotty to assure that these areas are accessible to all of our citizens to enjoy and respect."

DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said, "Once again, Governor Pataki is demonstrating his leadership in protecting important habitat, recreational areas, and a crucial watershed that will benefit the people and environment of New York State. The Peck Hollow purchase creates one, contiguous publicly-owned section of land that enhances access to the Catskill Forest Preserve."

This acquisition now becomes part of the Catskill Forest Preserve's West Kill Wilderness Area that offers a variety of recreational opportunities including camping, hiking, hunting, trapping, fishing, and nature observation. The land provides uninterrupted access to the forever wild public lands bordering the property.

Neil F. Woodworth, Counsel to the Adirondack Mountain Club and the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference, said, "This wonderful addition to the West Kill Wilderness of the Catskill Forest Preserve will protect the shoulders of Mount Sherrill and North Dome, Catskill High Peaks and popular destinations for hikers. The purchase ensures the water quality of an important brook flowing into the Esopus Creek, a key source of water for New York City. We are delighted with this purchase."

Christopher W. Olney, Director of Conservation for the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, said, "We would like to congratulate DEC on the successful acquisition of 187 acres of forest land in Peck Hollow, Town of Lexington. Not only is the Peck Hollow property located in the heart of the Catskill Park and in the heart of the NYC Watershed, but it is surrounded on all sides by existing Forest Preserve and is a key acquisition for providing better access to the West Kill Wilderness Area. This addition to the Catskill Forest Preserve protects important habitat and provides increased recreational opportunities, and we see it as a great way for the State to begin recognizing and celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Catskill Park in 2004."

The Catskill Forest Preserve is part of the New York State's Catskill Park, which consists of 705,500 acres of public and private lands. Since its creation in 1885, the Catskill Forest Preserve has grown from 34,000 acres to nearly 300,000 acres of public land within Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, and Ulster counties. Forest Preserve lands are protected under Article 14 of the State Constitution as "forever wild" and cannot be logged, leased or sold, and must be managed to protect wilderness values. In addition, the State pays local taxes on the land.

Under the leadership of Governor Pataki, New York State has conserved over 450,000 acres of open space, resulting in increased recreational opportunities, preservation of historic resources, strengthening of local economies, and the protection of valuable ecosystems. The Peck Hollow parcel is listed as a priority in the 2002 New York State Open Space Conservation Plan approved by Governor Pataki. ###

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