Environment DEC
From the August 2003 issue
State Preserves Land Along Shawangunk Ridge, Turkey Point
New York State has acquired more than 500 acres of open space land in the Hudson Valley. The land, which comprises 510 acres on the Shawangunk Ridge in the towns of Greenville and Deerpark, Orange County, and more than 8 acres of Turkey Point Multi-Mission property in the Town of Saugerties, Ulster County, contains scenic trails, rare ecosystems and recreational opportunities.
The Shawangunk Ridge has been
described as one of the "last great places"
Ridge Property
With money from the Environmental Protection Fund, New York State purchased 510 acres of undeveloped forest located on the Shawangunk Ridge from the Fini Brothers Partnership for $826,000. DEC will manage the property as a reforestation area, which can be used for hunting, hiking, bird watching, nature study and sustainable forestry. The state will pay local taxes on the property.
The purchase includes part of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail, a hiking trail more than 30 miles long that traverses the geologically unique ridge. The trail contains several scenic vantage points as it connects public lands from the western base of the ridge at Bashakill Wildlife Management Area to Minnewaska State Park and the Mohonk Preserve along the northeast corner of the ridge. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has identified the ridge as one of the country's "last great places" in recognition of its unique ecosystem and rare, endangered species habitat.
Turkey Point
The state is also acquiring the Turkey Point Multi-Mission property through a surplus land transfer from the National Park Service. The area provides opportunities for hiking, environmental interpretation and fishing on the Hudson River.
The 8.2 acres of woodland property will be incorporated into the adjacent DEC Turkey Point Unique Area, a 133-acre parcel of forest and fields. The property also includes a 200-foot wharf, with a navigational light, on the Hudson River. The area will be managed for recreation, environmental and historic interpretation and fishing access. DEC will work closely with the Town of Saugerties and Ulster County to develop additional trails, environmental interpretation opportunities and river access.
The property will become part of the Hudson River Greenway Trail and may also become a designated site of the Hudson River Watertrail, which is currently under development.
