Land Deal Increases Size of Shaupeneak Ridge Preserve

Latest victory in campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most

ESOPUS (Ulster County) – Taking another step in its campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most, Scenic Hudson has acquired 119 acres adjoining the organization's Shaupeneak Ridge Cooperative Recreation Area in Esopus, Ulster County.

The transaction expands the size of the popular preserve to nearly 700 acres, increasing opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, bird watching, hunting, fishing and school field trips. It also provides a critical buffer from future development, most importantly safeguarding views from Louisa Pond and its surrounding trail, a favorite with visitors. In addition a trail now can be created across the newly protected property that will afford spectacular vistas to the north and west.

Scenic Hudson Land Projects Specialist Paul Schwartzberg negotiated the acquisition, which involved the purchase of the land at a generously discounted price from its appraised value.

Important wildlife habitats also conserved

The north fork of Black Creek springs from Shaupeneak Ridge and flows into the most biologically diverse uplands in the Mid-Hudson Valley. The Black Creek-Shaupeneak corridor is home to the federally endangered northern cricket frog and an important complex of vernal pools and wetlands that sustain many reptile and amphibian species. Conserved woodlands on the property also sequester carbon that contributes to global climate change.

"This beautiful wooded landscape will allow exciting new opportunities for people to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors at one of Scenic Hudson's flagship parks. It further ensures their experience at Shaupeneak Ridge will never be spoiled by the threat of development," said Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan.

Shaupeneak Ridge Cooperative Recreation Area is maintained by Scenic Hudson with assistance from the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the West Esopus Landowners Association.

Collaborative campaign celebrates Quadricentennial by protecting treasured acres

Scenic Hudson's campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most was launched in 2007 to provide a lasting way of commemorating the Quadricentennial of Henry Hudson's 1609 voyage of discovery. It is a collaborative effort with fellow land trusts, governments, individuals and businesses to protect lands of the highest scenic, ecological and agricultural significance throughout the Hudson Valley. A prime aspect of this initiative is creating new parkland.

"Shaupeneak Ridge is one of the Mid-Hudson Valley's most beautiful natural treasures, a magnificent place to engage in outdoor recreation and exploration. It also supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, all of which makes this newly protected landscape a critical part of what we call 'The Land That Matters Most.' We applaud the landowner, whose generosity and commitment to conservation made this possible," said Steve Rosenberg, executive director of the Scenic Hudson Land Trust.

Funds for this transaction came from Scenic Hudson's Lila Acheson and DeWitt Wallace Hudson Valley Land Preservation Endowment.

Land preservation key to economic opportunity

Scenic Hudson pursues its campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most realizing that preserving land provides the cornerstone of a sustainable Hudson Valley economy. Tourism in the 10-county region generates $4.7 billion in spending annually and sustains 80,000 jobs. In Ulster County alone, tourism generates $472 million annually in spending and is responsible for nearly 8,500 jobs.

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 25,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources. To date Scenic Hudson has created or enhanced more than 50 parks, preserves and historic sites up and down the Hudson River and conserved more than 30,000 acres.

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