Environment DEC
From the October 2005 issue
Hudson Valley Trail Expansions Announced
Governor George E. Pataki announced an agreement to preserve nearly 1,100 acres in the Hudson Valley, adding approximately 10 miles to two of the state's most scenic and popular trails-Long Path, which runs through the Catskill Mountains, and the Shawangunk Ridge Trail in the Shawangunk Mountains.
The Shawangunk Ridge Trail
runs along the spine of
the Shawangunk Mountains
"New York's extensive trail system highlights the rich natural heritage, scenic beauty and historic significance of communities throughout the state, from pastoral villages to large urban waterfronts," Governor Pataki said. "The Long Path and the Shawangunk Ridge trails draw visitors from around the world to experience the magnificent views and world-class hiking and rock climbing found in the Catskills and Hudson Valley. These acquisitions will greatly enhance two of the state's most popular trails and help protect important wildlife habitat, creating new recreational opportunities in the Hudson Valley that residents, visitors and future generations will be able to enjoy."
Two Popular Trails Protected
The Long Path is a popular 275-mile hiking trail running from the George Washington Bridge in New York City through the Catskills Forest Preserve to John Boyd Thacher Park near the City of Albany. The Shawangunk Ridge Trail is a 35-mile trail running along the spine of the spectacular Shawangunk Mountains, providing a link between the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey and the Long Path in New York.
The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNJTC) will pay approximately $1.7 million for 25 trail parcels totaling 917 acres along the Shawangunk Ridge Trail. The NYNJTC is working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to transfer ownership of the properties to the state. The properties are located in the City of Port Jervis and the towns of Greenville, Deerpark, Mount Hope, Durham and Windham and extend through Orange and Ulster counties. The state will use money from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to acquire the property. The NYNJTC, working with DEC, has spent more than eight years acquiring and combining the parcels from numerous owners into larger trail assemblages.
In addition, 157 acres in the towns of Durham and Windham, Greene County, will be transferred from the state Office of General Services (OGS) to DEC, and will extend and protect areas near the Long Path. The property will preserve natural areas along the ridge line between Mount Hayden and Ginseng Mountain. Transfer of jurisdiction to DEC will ensure long-term protection of the trail corridor and its natural resources.
DEC Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "Hiking is one of our most enjoyable and popular recreational activities, and it's essential that we continue to protect natural areas so that outdoor enthusiasts have access to the state's unrivaled landscape. These linear corridors are critical connections between our state forest lands, allowing the public to hike from one to another while experiencing the rich diversity of habitat and geology that makes the Shawangunk Ridge unique."
The Shawangunk Ridge
The diverse habitat and geology
make the area truly unique
The Shawangunk Ridge is listed as a priority project in the State Open Space Conservation Plan in recognition of its unique natural resources, abundant recreational opportunities and scenic significance. During the past decade, the state has acquired more than 7,000 acres along the ridge and connecting linkages to the Catskill Park, investing more than $7 million from the EPF to conserve this important natural asset.
The Long Path
The Long Path is the main north/south hiking trail corridor in New York State. Increased public ownership of the Long Path will protect this valuable and unique hiking experience. This project also will provide watershed protection, including the protection of resources in the New York City Watershed, and enhance access to state forests. Changing private ownership patterns and increased development have threatened the integrity of the hiking trail and forced sections to be rerouted onto roads. Protecting these lands through public ownership will ensure continued recreational opportunities and watershed protection for generations to come.
More Information
The New York/New Jersey Trail Conference is a founding member of the Shawangunk Ridge Coalition, whose mission is to create a continuous, protected corridor over the entire length of the Shawangunk Ridge. The mission of the 85-year-old NYNJTC is to: connect people with nature by protecting open space through grassroots advocacy and land acquisition; provide access to nature by developing, building and maintaining hiking trails, and educate the public about low-impact use of the natural environment for recreation. More information about the NYNJTC is available at the related link below.
