In last few days of 2011, New York State created the Black Creek State Forest in the town of Esopus (Ulster) by purchasing 600 acres of land from Scenic Hudson.
By Scenic Hudson:
Scenic Hudson acquired the land in 2006 as part of its longstanding program to conserve land in the Black Creek corridor, an area of ecological, scenic and recreational resources along an important Hudson River tributary that flows through the towns of Lloyd and Esopus. The Black Creek corridor is part of the Plutarch/Black Creek Wetlands Complex, a prime area for breeding and migrating waterfowl that is highlighted in the New York Open Space Plan that helps define the state’s land-conservation efforts.
The newly created Black Creek State Forest adjoins the John Burroughs Nature Sanctuary and will become part of a network of public and private conservation lands surrounding Black Creek. "This acquisition is a terrific example of state, local and non-profit cooperation to protect one of the most intact tributaries of the Hudson River Estuary," explained New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens. "The ecological significance and recreational opportunities provided by the Black Creek and its surrounding land makes this property a conservation priority for DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program. The property will conserve the natural habitats, creeks, woods and scenery that John Burroughs introduced to national audiences with his renowned essays, allowing future generations to use and enjoy this precious ecosystem forever."
"This land will connect people with nature, provide opportunities for exercise and recreation, and protect habitats essential for eagles and endangered species," said Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan. "We're grateful to Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Martens for making possible this important initiative."
New York State's purchase of the land was funded by the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. Scenic Hudson will use the proceeds from the sale to invest in additional land preservation projects that benefit the public.
For additional details, see this NYSDEC press release.
