44 ACRES OF LAND PROTECTED IN BEDFORD - Westfair Communications

Meet WLT’s newly expanded conservation easement that protects land with rare plant and wildlife species. Photo credit: Gentian Falstrom.

The Westchester Land Trust has accepted and strengthened a conservation easement on a 44.75-acre property in Bedford that was formerly held through the Bedford Historical Society. The amended easement expands the area of land protected by including a portion of land previously set aside for development. Part of the Croton Reservoir System, the Stone Hill River, bisects the property and helps provide daily drinking water to the nine million people who live in New York City.

“Westchester Land Trust is honored that the property owner and Bedford Historical Society have entrusted us to care for this land and ensure it remains free from development forever,” said Janelle Robbins, vice president of conservation at Westchester Land Trust. “With its excellent wildlife habitat and proximity to other conserved lands, this property is integral to the fabric of open space in Bedford.”

The land is designated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) as a Known Area for Rare Terrestrial Animals and a Known Area for Rare Plants. The landowners who initiated the easement were motivated to expand and strengthen the conservation easement to safeguard wildlife habitat and drinking water quality for their community.