The new york state office of parks, recreation and historic preservation (NYS oprhp) is positioned to purchase two parcels of land within the hudson highlands region in cooperation with the…

The new york state office of parks, recreation and historic preservation (NYS oprhp) is positioned to purchase two parcels of land within the hudson highlands region in cooperation with the highlands conservation act grant program.NYS oprhp s acquisition of the first property as an addition to hudson highlands state park preserve is a key accomplishment for this project. The property is a 26 acre parcel located in the city of fishkill, dutchess county, state of new york. The property buffers hudson highlands state park preserve lands to the north, south, and east. The property lies adjacent to several thousand acres of public parklands belonging to the new york state and is visible from numerous portions of said land. The property is characterized by its walk in campground, woodlands, steep hillsides, a perennial stream, intermittent streams, and natural beauty. The property is part of the hudson highlands and within the watershed of the hudson river, long recognized for its outstanding scenic and natural beauty, shoreline, and geological and ecological character, the preservation of which is significant to the region s natural, historical, archaeological, architectural, recreational, and cultural amenities. A rocky perennial stream bisects the property, running roughly north on its way to fishkill creek a quarter mile away. Fishkill creek is a tributary to the hudson river. Several intermittent streams run north and northwest and are also part of the hudson river watershed. The second tract is an 88 acre parcel located in the town of tuxedo, orange county, state of new york. NYS oprhp is committed to successfully acquiring the tract as a valuable addition to sterling forest state park. In doing so, the integrity of the conserved landscape will be preserved. The property is situated between sterling forest state park to the west, and conservation lands owned by the town of tuxedo to the east. Acquisition will protect the property and maintain connectivity between surrounding protected lands. This project will preserve connections that are important for climate resilience including the north south connection from sterling forest, through town of tuxedo conservation lands to harriman state park, and elevational connectivity with lands to the south and east. The added preservation and recreational value of these acres are of great importance to the highlands region. In addition to vital linkage, acquisition of the property will work to preserve and provide biological connectivity for wildlife. The project will accomplish public recreation opportunity goals. When added to sterling forest state park, the property will be open to the public for passive recreational use and managed in a way that is compatible with the protection of its natural resources.