Environment DEC
From the October 2004 issue
Governor Announces Milestone Expansion of Fahnestock State Park
Governor George E. Pataki announced that the state has expanded Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park in Putnam County to a total of more than 13,300 acres with the addition of a 261-acre land purchase. This acquisition marks a major milestone for the park, which has doubled in size under the Governor's leadership since 1995. The state also is protecting an additional 1,390 acres near the park through a new conservation easement.
In addition, Governor Pataki also announced that the state has purchased 291 acres in the Great Swamp, located in the Town of Patterson, Putnam County. The Governor was joined by state and local officials at a ceremony in Fahnestock Park in the town of Philipstown, where he announced that he has signed legislation to make all state parkland in Putnam County, including these recent purchases, subject to real property taxes.
A group of nature lovers
enjoys a walk in the
park on a beautiful fall day
"Since 1995, we've protected more than 780,000 acres of open space and are well on our way to achieving our goal of protecting more than one million acres by 2012," Governor Pataki said. "Fahnestock State Park is an incredible property containing thousands of acres of magnificent parkland, miles of scenic trails and abundant wildlife, representing the best of New York's natural heritage. This latest expansion marks a milestone in our stewardship of the Park-more than doubling the acreage in the last ten years.
"The Great Swamp is an invaluable environmental, recreational and educational resource in the region, and this purchase will build on our efforts across New York to safeguard our environment and enrich the quality of life for our children and generations to come," the Governor added.
"Just as important, while we continue to protect and preserve these precious open spaces, the new legislation will ensure that local governments and school districts will receive important tax revenues on these properties to support vital programs in their communities."
Land Acquisition, Protection and Tax Revenue
The new law signed by Governor Pataki makes all New York State parkland in Putnam County that was acquired for public use subject to taxation for all purposes, exclusive of the improvements erected by the state. Revenues would go directly to Putnam County, local school districts and municipalities. The law will take effect on January 1, 2007.
The recent 261-acre purchase at Fahnestock State Park is the latest in a series of acquisitions totaling 6,694 additional acres that have increased the size of the park from 6,670 acres prior to 1995. The new property consists of vacant wooded land with 2,000 feet of frontage on Oscawana Lake. Numerous rock ledges and outcrops provide panoramic views to the south, west and north, and the property extends Fahnestock's comprehensive network of upland trails.
The purchase was coordinated with the assistance of environmental partners, the Trust for Public Land and the Open Space Institute (OSI). Their joint venture for land protection in New York State has helped protect thousands of acres in New York's Hudson Highlands. The $1.5 million purchase is being supported through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).
Clear Lake Scout Reservation
The 1,390-acre conservation easement is for property situated at the southeast corner of Fahnestock. The property, known as Clear Lake Scout Reservation, is owned by the Westchester-Putnam Council, BSA and will continue to operate as a boy scout camp. The easement, provided to New York State Parks as a gift from OSI, limits future development of the property and provides public access to the trail network on the northern portion of the site. Clear Lake Scout Reservation is adjacent to the Wiccopee Reservoir and contains a developed camp, two lakes, trails, woodlands, and a large wetland system.
Also at Fahnestock, OSI partnered with the state in November 2003 for acquisition of the 501-acre Gleneyre property in the northern edge of Fahnestock. The $2 million purchase through the EPF included woodlands and streams and extended protection of the Clove Creek Watershed.
The Great Swamp
The Great Swamp area is
home to an abundance
of wildlife
The Great Swamp is one of the largest freshwater swamps in the state and the largest wetland of its type in southeastern New York. It covers approximately 4,200 acres and stretches 20 miles across parts of Dutchess and Putnam counties. The Great Swamp is an ecological treasure that is rich in biological diversity and provides an important source of drinking water for Putnam County and New York City, as well as outstanding recreational and educational opportunities.
A portion of the swamp, including the parcel to be acquired by the state, is within the Croton River drainage basin and flows directly into the east branch of the Croton Reservoir, a New York City reservoir. The Great Swamp also anchors the eastern portion of the New York Highlands Resource Area. It contains vital habitat for avian and aquatic species and has been designated as an important bird area (IBA) by Audubon New York in recognition of its importance for migratory and breeding birds.
The state will purchase the 291 acres from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) using approximately $1.8 million from the state Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). TNC is working closely with the state on preservation efforts in the Great Swamp.
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said, "Under Governor Pataki's leadership, we've made great strides in protecting our valuable natural resources statewide. This purchase helps further our efforts to protect the remarkable resources of the Great Swamp and ensure water quality and habitat protection in the region. The Great Swamp acquisition also is an important part of a larger effort underway to link our conservation activities in the Hudson Highlands with similar efforts along the Taconic Crest and Harlem River Valley, to create a swath of protected lands around the entire New York metropolitan area."
