New York

New York's vast Adirondack Park is a significant natural asset for the state and the nation. The Fund works with partners to prevent the loss of habitat and recreational access in and near the park as well as to protect other important land and water resources across the state.

Hudson River

Close to the headwaters of the Hudson River, dense forests and crystal-clear lakes beckon wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The river’s cold, clean water has meandered for centuries through this vast wilderness, feeding the lakes and inlets that characterize the Adirondacks. In 2005 we worked with the Bunting Charitable Real Estate Trust to secure donated conservation easements on two Essex County properties near the Hudson’s headwaters. Now more than 6,200 acres of wilderness here are protected.

Adirondack State Park

In 1999, we helped conserved 144,000 acres of forestland in Adirondack State Park as part of a 300,000-acre transaction to protect working forests in New York, New Hampshire and Vermont on the lands formerly owned by Champion Paper Company. Following another multi-year effort, the Lyme Timber Company, state of New York and the Fund have conserved an additional 257,000 acres of working forests in the park-one of the largest land conservation projects in New York state history.

We worked as the lead environmental partner on behalf of the state of New York to assess the project area’s natural resources, provide land-use recommendations and structure the conditions of the conservation easement. We also provided financial risk capital to support the state’s purchase of the easement. Private support was provided by Richard King Mellon Foundation and ACE Group.

The newly conserved forestland will remain largely in private ownership, and will be managed according to Sustainable Forestry Initiative standards. The agreement restricts future development and subdivision on the property and provides for certain defined public access rights on specific portions. In addition, the project will maintain open space in the park; create new camping, hiking and other public recreation opportunities; protect major river corridors, including the St. Regis, Kunjamuck and Sacandaga and conserve critical wildlife habitat for spruce grouse, endangered bats and several rare plant bogs.