Federal funds help state add 763 acres to Fahnestock park in Putnam and Dutchess

New York state has added 763 acres to Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park in Putnam and Dutchess. There were two parcels involved, one consisting of 530 acres and the other with 233 acres.

Both parcels were acquired with 50% federal grant funding from the federal Highlands Conservation Act of 2004 (HCA) along with 50% funding from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund for a total of $3.64 million.

The acquisition brings Fahnestock State Park to 15,638 acres. The park boasts hiking trails, picnic areas, scenic campgrounds and boating, fishing and bird watching.

“Protecting open space and expanding our parks helps to improve the environment, create much-needed space for outdoor recreation, and resist climate change,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “Our state parks are some of New York’s most-treasured resources, and I’m excited to expand Fahnestock State Park to better connect future generations with New York’s parklands.”

Since Congress passed the HCA in 2004, $123.4 million in federal, state, local and private funds have protected 16,226 acres for people and wildlife in the 3.4 million-acre Highlands region that spans Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.

In 2021, Congress reauthorized the HCA and expanded the potential reach and impact of the program. As of last year, potential eligibility for the HCA includes additional areas in Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, Columbia and Westchester counties. The reauthorization also extended the availability of funding to municipalities that are working to protect land in their communities.

State Sen. Pete Harckham said, “News that two parcels of forest land with access to the Appalachian Trail are being added to Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is cause for celebration. This is already one of the Hudson Valley’s most cherished and popular recreational areas, and future generations will appreciate the abundant opportunities that this superb parkland represents.”

Seth McKee, executive director of The Scenic Hudson Land Trust congratulated Hochul and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for acquiring the two new properties.

“Both parcels are key additions to the irreplaceable Fahnestock State Park, which not only provides extensive recreational opportunities for the public, but wildlife habitat and extensive forested lands as well,” McKee said. “The potential for a new trail from Fahnestock to the popular Fishkill Farms is one step closer to reality. I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Highlands Conservation Act, which has helped state parks, Scenic Hudson and many other partners to conserve vital lands throughout the great green expanse known as the New York Highlands.”