Environment DEC
From the November 2005 issue
State Purchasing More Than 400 Acres in Catskill Park
New York State will purchase 403 acres of land on Overlook Mountain in the Catskill Park, preserving critical areas in the upper reaches of one of the most prominent and popular summits in the Empire State.
Preserving these lands in the
Catskills will create additional
recreational opportunities,
such as hiking
"Overlook Mountain is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the eastern escarpment of the Catskill range and offers magnificent hiking opportunities for people of all ages," Governor Pataki said. "By preserving these lands, we will increase public access to this popular outdoor area, which also provides a stunning backdrop to the Town of Woodstock. This is another example of how our partnerships with local governments and land trust organizations like the Open Space Institute (OSI) and the Woodstock Land Conservancy are helping us protect valuable lands in the Catskills and develop additional recreational opportunities for residents, visitors, and future generations," the Governor added.
Parcel Details
A DEC camper alumnus takes a
break at the ruins of the Mountain
House on Overlook Mountain
The properties being acquired include: the 210-acre Woodstock Guild of Artist and Craftsmen parcel; the 92-acre Berg parcel; the 73-acre Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, Inc. (KTD) parcel, and the 28-acre Illjes parcel. Upon finalization of the state's appraisal and purchase of these properties using funds from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), they will be added to DEC's Overlook Mountain Wild Forest in the Catskill Forest Preserve.
The Woodstock parcel on Meads Mountain Road includes Meads Meadow, an extensive open area on the mountain's southwestern flank that has long been a popular setting for experiencing the Catskills. The Berg, KTD and Illjes parcels are located on the steep southeast side of the mountain, and their protection will help to preserve the scenic beauty of this natural landmark throughout the Hudson Valley.
Conservation Partners
DEC was assisted in these land purchases by the Open Space Institute (OSI) and the Woodstock Land Conservancy, two non-profit conservation organizations that have worked closely with the state to expand open space protection efforts in the Catskills. Since 1995 New York State, with help from these and other partners, has preserved more than 4,200 acres within the Catskill Park.
DEC Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "Governor Pataki has emphasized the value and importance of working with communities and local land preservation organizations to help us meet our goal of preserving one million acres of open space. This purchase will help preserve a scenic treasure that will greatly enhance the Catskill Park."
Overlook Mountain
Overlook Mountain is an important feature of the Catskill escarpment and is listed as a priority parcel in New York State's Open Space Plan. All four of the new parcels are adjacent to existing Forest Preserve lands and were identified as possible future acquisitions by the state in DEC's Overlook Mountain Wild Forest Unit Management Plan.
