Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced the protection of more than 260 acres of open space in the Mid-Hudson Valley, adding new trails and public access to three State Parks, as well as conserving valuable ecological corridors.
The acquisitions represent an investment of $1.14 million in State funding from the Environmental Protection Fund and Hudson Highlands Conservation Act.
The new parklands include:
Fahnestock State Park, Putnam County – 150 acres. The property will protect natural resources as well as connect the park to a local Scout reservation that has a trail open to the public. The land was acquired in partnership with the Hudson Highlands Land Trust.
Sterling Forest State Park, Orange County – 112 acres. The land will help maintain and enhance the biodiversity of the area and create access to the 22,000-acre Sterling Forest State Park and to the Appalachian Trail from the western side of the park. The parcel was acquired in partnership with the Orange County Land Trust.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve, Westchester County -1 acre. The parcel will remedy the longstanding lack of a formal entry to Rockwood Hall, a historic and impressive riverside section of the nearly 1,800-acre preserve in Westchester County, allowing appropriate signage and parking for public access.
