New York Adds 260 Acres Of Park Land To Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — More than 260 acres of open space were added to three state parks in the Hudson Valley.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday the protection of the land, adding new trails and public access to three state parks, as well as conserving valuable ecological corridors.

The purchase represents an investment of $1.14 million in state funding from the Environmental Protection Fund and the Hudson Highlands Conservation Act, according to a news release.

Cuomo said the mid- and lower Hudson Valley has some of the state's most breathtaking natural resources and landscapes, and the state is committed to protecting these open spaces for generations to come.

"We've experienced record attendance at our state parks during this pandemic and these expansions will not only make these jewels shine even brighter," he said in a statement, "but will build on our work to address climate change and create a cleaner, greener and stronger New York for all."

The new parklands include 150 acres for Fahnestock State Park in Putnam County, 112 acres for Sterling Forest State Park in Orange County and 1 acre for Rockefeller State Park Preserve in Westchester County

The Fahnestock addition will protect natural resources as well as connect the park to a local Scout reservation that has a trail open to the public. The land was acquired in partnership with the Hudson Highlands Land Trust.

The Sterling Forest addition will help maintain and enhance the area's biodiversity and create access to the 22,000-acre park and the Appalachian Trail from the western side of the park. The parcel was acquired in partnership with the Orange County Land Trust.

The 1-acre parcel for the Rockefeller State Park Preserve will provide a long-needed formal entry to Rockwood Hall, allowing appropriate signage and parking for public access.