Contents:
1. 1400 Acres of Sterlign Forest Purchased
2. Funds for Sterling Forest
3. 2,220 Acres To Go
4. Sterling Forest Interim Management Guide
5. Indian Hill Purchase Links to Sterling Forest
6. Sterling Forest Research Program
7. The Sterling Forest Partnership
8. Sterling Forest Fall & Winter Outings
1. 1400 ACRES OF STERLING FOREST PURCHASED WITH $5 MILLION DOWN PAYMENT
The $5 million down payment for the acquisition of 15,280 acres of Sterling Forest was made on August 11, 1997. As a down payment the funds actually purchased 1,400 acres in the northern part of Sterling Forest contiguous to the Appalachian Trail corridor. This funding was provided to Scenic Hudson and the Open Space Institute by the Lila Acheson and DeWitt Wallace Fund for the Hudson Highlands.
The Open Space Institute and The Trust for Public Land spent more than one year negotiating the deal with the Sterling Forest Corporation to purchase and preserve the Forest. A contract signed on February 18, 1997 gives OSI and TPL one year to purchase the land for $55 million.
To date, $41 million has been secured toward the $55 million purchase price. Money from New Jersey, $10 million, and from New York, $16 million, are literally in the bank drawing interest. Of the authorized $17.5 million of federal dollars, $9 million was appropriated last year and as we go to press the 1998 Department of Interior's appropriation bill with $8.5 million for Sterling Forest, is pending final approval. Contributions from private foundations, individuals and the anticipated interest will add another $6.5 million for a total available of $50 million. Additional private foundation funds for the balance of $5 million are being secured.
Strong political and community support continue for full protection of Sterling Forest. Gov. George Pataki has pledged to go after the remaining acreage once the current deal is closed. In a recent letter Bernadette Castro, NYS Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, stated of Sterling Forest, "we are committed to completing the task of acquiring the remaining, available acreage." NJ Senator Torricelli is poised, ready to introduce legislation for federal funds to help complete the job, and at a recent meeting the Sterling Forest Coalition renewed its commitment to continue working until all of Sterling Forest is saved.
The Sterling Forest Corporation has stated that it intends to submit a plan for development of the remaining acres to the Town of Tuxedo; however, SFC President, Lou Heinbach, says he willing to negotiate a purchase of the remaining land with anyone.
4. STERLING FOREST INTERIM MANAGEMENT GUIDE
A committee of involved State and Federal agencies are preparing an "Interim Management Guide" for Sterling Forest once the acquisition of the 15,280 acres is completed. This committee is charged with preparing guidelines to manage Sterling Forest during the several years it will take to complete a Sterling Forest Master Plan.
The guiding purpose statement for this committee charges it with the responsibility to "maintain the quality of (Sterling Forest's) strategically located watershed resources, scenic open spaces, and natural habitats." This guide is to serve for the interim management of those types of activities that are currently allowed in the Forest. These include hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, camping, horseback riding, and group activities. The committee has stated that user groups will be consulted to establish cooperative user guidelines and that on completion of the draft guide, informal sessions will be conducted to provide for public comment.
The master plan process should begin in 1998 and will include public participation, analysis of alternatives and environmental impacts of all compatible use activities and facilities.
5. INDIAN HILL PURCHASE LINKS TO STERLING FOREST
Once a humming industry converting iron into armaments for the Civil War, the historic Southfield Furnace next to Sterling Forest in the Town of Tuxedo has been silent since 1887. This furnace, at the foot of Indian Hill, is one of the most intact and well-studied historic iron forges in the Highlands Region but it now lies forgotten and hidden by the forest that has grown up around it. Now, thanks to the purchase of the Furnace and the surrounding 490 acres of Indian Hill by The Scenic Hudson Land Trust, Inc., this historic resource is protected forever.
Southfield Furnace was utilized during the War of 1812 and the Civil War when the Highlands Region was a major center for iron smelting. Listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places, the Furnace site offers a great opportunity to interpret the role of this early Highlands industry in our nation's history.
The Scenic Hudson Land Trust , Inc., an affiliate of Scenic Hudson, purchased the Indian Hill property, also formerly known as "Indian Fields," with funding from The Lila Acheson and DeWitt Wallace Fund for the Hudson Highlands. Indian Hill is strategically located between Sterling Forest, the Appalachian Trail (AT) corridor and Harriman State Park. The summit of Indian Hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding lands of the Ramapo River Valley, Sterling Forest and Harriman. As the AT passes through Sterling Forest just north of the property, protecting Indian Hill as undeveloped land adds a valuable buffer to this national resource.
In the short-term, hiking trails will be established and the Southfield Furnace will be stabilized and made accessible to the public. The property is well-suited for public recreation, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, nature study and historic interpretation. The Sterling Forest Partnership will be working with Scenic Hudson, Palisades Interstate Park Commission and the NY-NJ Trail Conference to establish interesting hiking trails that create important linkages to Sterling Forest, the AT and Harriman State Park.
6. STERLING FOREST RESEARCH PROGRAM
With the treasure of Sterling Forest nearly at hand we now need to consider what we will find when the chest's lid is opened. The preparation of management plans must be based on good data and information. As the first step in that direction the NY-NJ Trail Conference has a grant to fund a "Sterling Forest Ecosystem Research Needs and Work Program." Michael Batcher, a biologist experienced in ecosystem research, has been contracted to prepare a needs analysis, which will describe the types of research necessary to provide answers to ecological management questions related to long-term ecosystem preservation.
This needs assessment will identify areas where research projects are needed, outline a budget for the work and make recommendations as to potential research partners. This document will provide the basis to request foundation funding for this ambitious program.
7. THE STERLING FOREST PARTNERSHIP
--- A Message from the Chair, by Mary Yrizarry
This summer and fall have been very busy for the Partnership. We produced our first brochure and we've received many favorable comments on the result. In September we launched our first membership drive by mailing the brochure to all who have supported our efforts to preserve Sterling Forest. We've received a good response but look forward to hearing from more of you. If you haven't yet returned a membership form and contribution please use this newsletter as a reminder, clip the form below and return it to us right now. Membership entitles you to store discounts, early notification of events and special membership activities. The funds we receive go toward continuing our efforts to make Sterling Forest accessible to the public through environmental education, research, historic preservation, cultural events and appropriate land use practices.
Volunteers are the ones that make Sterling Forest Partnership work. So many people have helped with an enormous range of activities from leading public and school programs; participating in wildlife inventories; sending out mailings and working in the office, just to mention a few. . . the list goes on. These volunteer services, and many more, are provided by all kinds of ordinary and extraordinary people, from corporate executives to educators to school children. Clearly, SFP would hardly function without so many people who are willing to spend their own time, effort, talent, expertise, and considerable other resources to help us succeed. To just say thank you seems inadequate. The big payoff, in which we all share, is knowing that every volunteer effort helps us to become more effective in our dedication to making Sterling Forest a place that brings people, history and nature together in harmony. Anyone who would like to join this caring and dedicated group please call or write us.
Yes, I want to become a member of the Sterling Forest Partnership, Inc.
8. STERLING FOREST FALL & WINTER OUTINGS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
Fall and winter are exciting times in Sterling Forest. Join us in exploring some of the natural history of this Highlands region. For all outings please call for reservations and to obtain further information, Mary Yrizarry at 914-783-4302 or John Gebhards at 914-294-3098.
Oct 25, Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm - Eastern Mountain Sports Club Day
Come to "Club Day" at the EMS store, Route 17 North, in Paramus. All Sterling
Forest Partnership members will receive a 20% discount on purchases made that day. Be sure
to bring you membership card or stop by our SFP table and immediately benefit from the EMS
discount. The EMS store in Paramus has generously offered a 10% discount to our members
the rest of the year.
Nov 1, Saturday, 9:30 am to 4 pm - Appalachian Trail & Southfield's Furnace
History- Hike sponsored by Eastern Mountain Sports
Enjoy a moderately strenuous hike on the Appalachian Trail ending at the Southfield iron
furnace where we will learn about the history of iron making in Sterling Forest and its
role in the Civil War. Bring sturdy hiking shoes and lunch and enjoy the day. To register
for this hike call EMS at 201-676-6464.
Nov 15, Saturday, 1 to 4:30 pm - Geology of Sterling Forest
Learn about the billion year old rocks that formed rich iron ore deposits deep in
the bedrock in Sterling Forest and how the glaciers carved and formed these ancient hills
to their present contours. On this field trip we will visit a number of rock outcrops and
enjoy a short hike in Sterling Forest.
Jan 31, Saturday, 1 to 3 pm - Animal Trails
Animals leave subtle tracks and signs in the snow that can tell the story of
their life in the winter season. We will walk the fields and woods scouting for dens,
trails and other signs of how animals survive in winter. Dress according to the weather.
Mar 1, Sunday, 1 to 3:30 pm - Amphibian Survey Workshop
Here is one for the adventurous person who doesn't mind getting out on rainy spring
evenings to look for amphibians. This workshop will provide an orientation for volunteers
who have signed up to participate in our annual spring amphibian count. Volunteers should
have a familiarity with frogs and salamanders of our area and have the time to venture out
at night in the spring rain.
Mar 29, Sunday, 10 am to 3 pm - Trail Maintenance & Installing Wood Duck
Boxes
An early spring day of cleaning up the Arrow Trail and mounting wood duck nesting boxes at
Arrow Lake will help shake the winter blues. For all of you who like to work in the field
bring your lunch and work gloves. Please call about tools you may have that you can bring.