Environment DEC
From the September 2005 issue
More than 250 Acres Preserved in Dutchess County
Governor George E. Pataki announced that New York State has agreed to purchase more than 250 acres of open space known as the Baxtertown property, in the Town of Fishkill, Dutchess County. The land abuts Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center, operated by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Town of Fishkill's public water-supply well field. The property contains wetlands, vernal pools and forests.
"New York State continues to build upon the commitment we've made to protect valuable open space, improve water quality and provide opportunities for the public to learn more about our natural heritage," Governor Pataki said. "This acquisition will enhance one of DEC's five education centers, protect an important source of drinking water, and continue enriching the lives of residents and visitors wanting to learn more about New York's abundant natural resources."
Baxtertown Property
The property consists of two parcels, one of 38.54 acres and the second of 214.44 acres for a total of 252.98 acres. Using money from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), the state will purchase the property from the Fishkill Holdings Enterprises, LLC. for $821,200. Purchase of the property will help protect the town's public water supply by ensuring that the land is not developed. The acreage will be added to the Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center. Once part of the center, the property will be open to public access for passive recreation and enable the center to expand its educational offerings.
DEC Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "Governor Pataki's commitment to open space preservation is unsurpassed. The Baxtertown property will preserve diverse habitats, protect water quality, provide additional outdoor recreational opportunities for the public and expand DEC's Stony Kill Education Center. Clearly this project will protect natural resources for generations to come, while improving the quality of life of New Yorkers."
Stony Kill Farm
Governor George Pataki
looks for a "Peekskill" plow
among old plows stored
in the Verplanck Tenant Farm
House on Stonykill Farm
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center is a favorite destination in the lower Hudson Valley for families and youth groups interested in learning about the environment. The center offers a wide variety of fun learning programs for the public and is open to visitors year round. A historic working farm, interpretive trails, hiking trails and nature exhibits are available to visitors. Field trips are offered to schools, youth groups and the general public on a variety of environmental topics.
Among the programs available at Stony Kill is Operation Explore, which provides an opportunity for more than 1,000 students from New York City schools to take part in hands-on outdoor learning involving agriculture and the environment. For educators, the center offers workshops like Project WET (Water Education for Teachers), an international program focusing on water resources. The Hudson River Estuary is highlighted by many programs at Stony Kill, including an annual Hudson River Teacher Institute, held each summer. For more information on programs at Stony Kill Center, visit the Stony Kill web page at DEC's website (see "Related Links" below), e-mail mailto:skfarm@gw.dec.state.ny.us?subject=Program Information or call (845)831-8780.
EPF and Open Space Conservation
The Environmental Protection Fund provides resources for more than a dozen state and local environmental programs, including funds for state land acquisition projects identified in the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan. The Baxtertown purchase is included in the plan to enhance public land holdings and recreational opportunities in the Hudson River Valley.
Since 1995, Governor Pataki has invested more than $13 billion to protect and preserve New York's environment, including more than 920,000 acres of open space statewide. This historic commitment includes a record $150 million in EPF funding in the 2005-2006 State Budget, a 20 percent increase over last year and a six-fold increase since 1995. Annual funding for environmental programs now totals more than $1.4 billion. See "Related Links" below, for more information about the Environmental Protection Fund and New York State Open Space Conservation Plan.
