Environment DEC
From the September 2006 issue
October's Conservationist Magazine Highlights Open Space Conservation Plan
The Shawangunks are a popular
rock-climbing destination and
provide many opportunities for
hiking and bird watching
New York State's Open Space Conservation Plan is a blueprint for protecting our diverse lands and natural resources, and it has served as the driving force behind the quest to preserve a million acres of open space. The plan works in conjunction with local governments, not-for-profit groups and private citizens to expand and preserve recreational lands for hiking, fishing, camping, snowmobiling and trapping. It also makes maintaining multiple-benefit areas a priority, especially those that enhance air and water quality, improve wildlife habitats and encourage sustained economic success.
Since 1995, the state has invested nearly $600 million to conserve almost a million acres of open space. In the October issue of the Conservationist, Jeffrey Mapes of DEC's Division of Lands and Forests details Governor Pataki's decade-long quest to preserve New York State's diverse wildlife habitats, working farms and forests and recreational lands in his article, "Land for the Future."
To ensure that you don't miss any other informative, interesting and beautifully illustrated articles in the future, why not subscribe to the Conservationist today? It's easy to do online, and with your paid subscription, you'll receive a free copy of the colorful Critters of New York Pocket Guide, containing information about 50 of New York State's native species.
