GOVERNOR PATAKI DESIGNATES 10,050 ACRE BIRD CONSERVATION AREA

Hubbard-Perkins Conservation Area at Fahnestock State Park Will Protect Bird Species

Governor George E. Pataki today designated a 10,050-acre portion of Clarence Fahnestock State Park as a Bird Conservation Area (BCA) in an effort to protect the habitat of various bird species living in the area. This is the 11th BCA the Governor has designated in New York State and the fourth BCA within the State Park system.

"Whether snowshoeing on a bird count in winter or hiking on a beautiful spring day, this wonderful State park offers pristine beauty and diverse habitats that define what the Bird Conservation Area program is all about," Governor Pataki said. "From Duck Pond to Hidden Lake, preserving these unbroken forests is critically important as we continue working to protect our natural environment."

Governor Pataki signed the BCA program into law in 1997. BCA designations are based on scientific criteria and are designed to safeguard and enhance bird populations and their habitats. The Fahnestock BCA is a concentration site for a diversity of bird species and is also home to a number of bird species that are at risk. It includes large areas of contiguous forest, providing an excellent location for the many bird species that prefer such a habitat. The forest is also interspersed with wetland and pond areas that are preferred by marsh and water-dependent bird species.

U.S. Representative Sue Kelly said, "Governor Pataki is to be commended for his vision in helping to protect some of the most beautiful land in the Hudson Valley. This new designation at Fahnestock State Park will benefit our community for generations to come."

Senator Vincent Leibell said, "Governor Pataki continues to be successful in providing dedicated parkland for naturalists and environmentalists in the Hudson Valley, and this action will ensure the opportunity to save wildlife at risk and provide recreation in a treasured State park. The preservation of this area at Fahnestock will provide visitors with a natural beauty that will last a lifetime and beyond."

Assemblyman Willis H. Stephens Jr. said, "The new Bird Sanctuary designates 10,050 acres of Fahnestock Park as an important habitat for the breeding and preservation of significant bird species. I applaud Governor Pataki and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for pursuing this initiative to help ensure the protection of this habitat."

David J. Miller, Executive Director of the National Audubon Society of New York State said, "Fahnestock is a jewel of the Hudson Highlands highlighted by its diversity and abundance of migratory song birds. Governor Pataki's leadership and commitment to bird conservation has been demonstrated once again with this designation."

Governor Pataki's BCA designation will cover 10,050 acres of mature hardwood forest that support a number of rare and unusual species of birds and other wildlife. The designation will enhance efforts to protect critical habitats for species-at-risk, including Red-shouldered Hawks, Cerulean Warblers and Whip-poor-wills. It will also provide the public with increased opportunities to learn about and view these birds in their natural environment. Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner John P. Cahill said, "The protection of birds and their natural habitat provided under Governor Pataki's Bird Conservation Area Program gives New Yorkers and visitors to the Empire State the opportunity to develop an expanded appreciation for our environment. The Governor's visionary leadership continues to turn ideas into action."

State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro said, "Thank you Governor Pataki, for not only designating this Bird Conservation Area in this extraordinary State park, but also for recently purchasing land that will add hundreds of acres to the park. This designation will help bird populations while providing new opportunities for the general public to learn more about these beautiful creatures."

The State's Bird Conservation Area program is modeled after the National Audubon Society's Important Bird Area program. State Parks and the Department of Environmental Conservation worked closely in preparing management guidelines for the BCA. These guidelines provide the framework for protection and enhancement of bird habitats within the park. They also call for research and environmental education on birds and their habitats.

Ten Bird Conservation Areas have been designated through this three-year-old program, including portions of: Buckhorn Island State Park; Eastern Lake Ontario Marshes in Jefferson and Ontario counties; Iona Island/Doodletown (Bear Mountain State Park); Catskill High Peaks; David A. Sarnoff Pine Barrens Preserve; Braddock Bay; Montezuma Wetlands Complex; Nissequogue River State Park; Mongaup Valley; and Bashakill.

The 1997 law that created the BCA program also created a BCA Program Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from DEC, DOS, Parks, State Museum, Biodiversity Research Institute, Conservation Fund Advisory Board, NYS Conservation Council, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, The Nature Conservancy, National Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited, and the Federation of New York State Bird Clubs.