Land Deal Protects Magnificent Olana Views

Latest victory in campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most

Greenport (Columbia County)—Protecting lands critical to maintaining magnificent views from Olana State Historic Site is a priority of Scenic Hudson's campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most. These vistas play an important role in attracting visitors to Olana, which generates nearly $8 million of economic stimulus in surrounding communities each year.

In its most recent victory to safeguard the lands that comprise Olana's "viewshed," Scenic Hudson has secured a conservation easement that protects 72 acres directly adjacent to the historic site. Landowners Michael Grisham and Carol Peckham donated 50 percent of the appraised value of the easement, which ensures that the public will continue to view this mix of forests, wetlands, orchards and meadows in its natural state. The land also provides habitat for state-listed threatened wildlife species.

Restoration of Olana's original landscape will increase visibility of protected land

Substantial portions of the land currently are visible from viewpoints at Olana. As ongoing work is completed to restore Olana's original landscape—created by renowned artist Frederic Edwin Church and considered by many to be his masterpiece—the property will feature even more prominently in easterly views from the site. The conserved land affords vistas of the distant Catskills, making it attractive for residential development and increasing the urgency of permanently protecting it. It also is adjacent to the 95-acre Pleroma Farm, on which Scenic Hudson holds a conservation easement.

The landowners retain the right to construct a farmstead with a residence and associated farm and accessory structures. These structures would be located on a portion of the property where they will have little or no impact on Olana's views, and viewshed-friendly design and construction practices would be employed. The easement also allows significant portions of the land to be used for agricultural purposes.

Group has worked with landowners to protect more than 1,400 acres central to Olana's views

Scenic Hudson Senior Land Project Manager Kelly Boling negotiated the transaction, which was completed with funds from the organization's Lila Acheson and DeWitt Wallace Hudson Valley Land Preservation Endowment. Since 1992 Scenic Hudson and its conservation partners have protected more than 1,400 acres visible from Olana.

"Olana's views are a national treasure. They inspired one of America's most important artists, and they continue to inspire all who visit Frederic Church's historic home. Thanks to the generous, conservation-minded landowners, Scenic Hudson has ensured that another beautiful landscape critical to enjoying these vistas will forever remain unspoiled," said Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan.

Sara Griffen, president of The Olana Partnership, said, "Olana's 250-acre landscape incorporates views as part of its larger design. The Olana viewshed is the key background element in Frederic Church's larger artistic composition. Protecting this parcel in particular, which abuts Olana's orchard, ensures that future visitors to Olana's historic farm will fully experience Church's vision."

Collaborative campaign targets protecting valley's most important landscapes

Scenic Hudson's campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most is a multi-year, 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. In addition to providing the cornerstone of a sustainable economy for the region, protected lands help attract new business. A recent study by the Trust for Public Land notes that executives looking to relocate or start up firms rank quality of life—including an abundance of parks and open space—higher than housing, cost of living and good schools. Since initiating the campaign in 2007, Scenic Hudson has conserved 5,442 acres and our land trust partners an additional 2,212 acres.

Land preservation boosts economic opportunity, human health

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 annually and sustains 80,000 jobs. Tourism spending in Columbia County is $105 million and supports nearly 1,500 jobs.

Protecting open space also offers myriad human health benefits. Trees sequester pollutants that contribute to asthma, lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease, while releasing oxygen. Woodlands and wetlands collect and purify water that filters into the ground to recharge local aquifers. Vegetation and wetlands also intercept rainfall, preventing it from flowing into streams where it could cause flooding. Maintaining biodiversity plays an important role in preventing diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease.

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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