The Orange County Land Trust (OCLT) has acquired the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain property in the town of Chester for just over $2.3 million. The acquisition includes 309 acres of forest and farmland, as well as direct access to the summit of the mountain. In 2019, representatives of OCLT met with members of the Palmer Family, which owned the property. In 2022, an agreement was signed giving OCLT an exclusive option to purchase the property.
On Jan. 12, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus joined representatives of OCLT to announce that OCLT had taken title to the property.
“I am proud to be a part of the team that worked together to make this happen,” Neuhaus said. “This historic agreement will give residents the first-ever public access to the mountain’s summit while expanding outdoor recreation by connecting the property to the adjacent Goosepond Mountain State Park. The OCLT will transfer the land to the county’s Parks and Recreation Department, which will lead the efforts to establish a plan for public access and recreation. I am excited about the recreational opportunities that Sugar Loaf Mountain will provide for residents for generations to come.”
The Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation, a longtime supporter of OCLT, agreed to support the acquisition with a loan. The Walden Savings Bank pledged a loan making it possible for OCLT to begin due diligence on the project.
As the project began to take shape, OCLT announced its conservation plans to the public and launched the “Save the Mountain” campaign. The campaign’s message was that the project would be a win for conservation, outdoor recreation, tourism and local businesses. “Save the Mountain” generated more than $200,000 in community donations..
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Land Trust Alliance demonstrated their support for the project with a state Conservation Partnership Program grant, as did Scenic Hudson, which also provided financial support for the acquisition through its Climate and Environmental Justice grant initiative. Both Orange County and the town of Chester joined in the project.
“Purchasing and protecting the Sugar Loaf Mountain property was a team effort through and through,” said Jim Delaune, executive director of the Orange County Land Trust. “There were so many moving pieces and variables that I wasn’t sure we could get this done by year end, but fortunately for us we did.”
Walden Savings Bank President and CEO Derrik Wynkoop said, “From our initial call with Executive Director Delaune, Walden Savings Bank knew this was a project our 152-year-old community bank could readily stand behind. We were honored to provide financial assistance and counsel to the great folks at the OCLT to get this deal over the finish line.”
Seth McKee, executive director of The Scenic Hudson Land Trust said, “This is exactly why we created our Climate and Environmental Justice grants: to accelerate and support vital projects that benefit the environment, the economy, and all members of the community.”
OCLT said it does not advise public access until a formal trail system and designated parking area are established.
