 |
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES 575-ACRE ACQUISITION FOR STERLING FOREST 12 06 - 6 December, 2006
 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 28, 2006
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES 575-ACRE ACQUISITION FOR STERLING FOREST
$13.5 Million Purchase Protects Critical Natural Resources in NY/NJ Highlands
Governor George E. Pataki today announced the acquisition of 575 acres to expand Sterling Forest State Park in Orange County. The new property increases the size of Sterling Forest, one of the largest state parks in New York, to more than 18,200 acres of forests, lakes, streams, and other sensitive natural resources. The scenic acreage purchased is surrounded by the public parkland and had been vulnerable to development.
"This latest acquisition represents the final step in protecting the full array of natural resources and wildlife habitats at Sterling Forest State Park for generations to come," Governor Pataki said. "With this purchase, we are not only increasing the outdoor opportunities for the public at this incredible scenic property, but we are furthering our commitment to safeguarding open space in the New York/New Jersey Highlands and throughout the Palisades. Once again, the Environmental Protection Fund has helped us secure a critical parcel that will now become public parkland, ensuring its stewardship for the future."
The property, known as the Sterling Forge parcel, consists of an irregularly shaped 575-acre parcel with extensive frontage along both the southeast and northwest sides of County Route 84, Long Meadow Road. The site's topography varies from level/rolling land to steeply sloping and the southern section of the property features a 36-acre pond. There is also a 15-acre wetland area at the easternmost section of the property and various other wetlands, totaling approximately 25 acres, scattered throughout. The state's $13.5 million purchase from Sterling Forest? LLC was supported through the Environmental Protection Fund.
Senator Thomas P. Morahan said, "The acquisition of 575 acres for Sterling Forest will help ensure a proud legacy for this extraordinary park. I am proud to have joined with environmental advocates in urging the Governor and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to preserve the environmental integrity and critical resources of Sterling Forest, especially the threatened species that our State is mandated to protect."
Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt said, "Open space preservation is one of my top priorities. We must do all we can to preserve our way of life. The expansion of the Sterling Forest will greatly benefit many people here in Orange County."
Sterling Forest State Park is centrally located within the New York/New Jersey Highlands, a 1.1 million-acre stretch of contiguous habitat from the Hudson River to the Delaware River. Sterling Forest, is the forested anchor of the New York/New Jersey Highlands. The tract links Abram S. Hewitt State Park in New Jersey with Harriman State Park in New York, and protects the corridor around the Appalachian Trail, which traverses the northern portion of Sterling Forest, and the full length of the Sterling Ridge Trail. The park is part of the New York State Parks system and administered by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission.
In 1998, Governor Pataki announced the acquisition of the first 15,280 acres that created Sterling Forest. New York and New Jersey, along with the federal government and private interests, worked together to raise $55 million to purchase Sterling Forest and preserve it as open space. The property protects a major source of drinking water for New Jersey and was the last large, privately-held open space in the New York City metropolitan region. Since the initial announcement, another 3,000 have been added to the park including this latest acquisition.
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Bernadette Castro said, "This purchase is another valuable step in Governor Pataki's steadfast efforts to preserve the precious outdoor resources found at Sterling Forest and the New York/New Jersey Highlands. By closing the door to the danger of development at this magnificent property, we are helping ensure the lasting protection of the region's rich natural heritage for years ahead."
In 2003, the Governor and U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey opened the U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Visitor Center at Sterling Forest State Park. The Visitor Center offers patron amenities as well as interpretive programming highlighting the natural and cultural resource protection in the vast Palisades property. Senator Lautenberg contributed $1.75 million toward the construction of the 7,500 square-foot facility which is located on the south shore of Sterling Lake in the town of Warwick and provides direct access and views of the lake.
In addition to serving as a watershed for millions of residents in New Jersey and New York, Sterling Forest and its habitats are vital for the survival of many resident and migratory species, including black bear and a variety of hawks and songbirds, as well as many rare invertebrates and plants. The Governor also designated a 16,833-acre portion of the park as a Bird Conservation Area (BCA) in an effort to protect the habitat of various bird species living in the area.
Senior Vice President for The Trust for Public Land Rose Harvey said, "Sterling Forest--in its entirety--is now closed for good to development and open forever to the public. This was a big vision, with big results, with big benefit for millions of people, a lasting land legacy for Governor Pataki."
The Sterling Forge acquisition furthers the longstanding environmental and preservation goals set by the Governor that have made New York a national leader in open space protection and natural resource stewardship. Within the last few years, the State has announced new State parks with the acquisition of Mohawk River State Park in Schenectady, Donald J. Trump State Park in Westchester and Putnam counties, Midway State Park in Chautauqua, Robert V. Riddell State Park in Otsego and Amsterdam Beach in Montauk, opened Sandy Island Beach State Park in Oswego, Two Rivers State Park in Tioga, opened Jamesport State Park in Suffolk County, Robert G. Wehle State Park in Jefferson County, Sonnenberg Gardens State Historic Park in Canandaigua and expanded Rockefeller Preserve and Fahnestock State Parks in the Hudson Valley and Saratoga Spa and Thacher State Parks in the Capital District.
BACK
BACK TO TOP
|
|
|
|
A View for Generations
Palisades Parklands
Map Guide
MAP
Palisades Interstate
Park System
MAP
Bear Mountain
Attractions
MAP
Bear Mountain
Suggested Hikes
MAP
|
|
