Location of Former Finch Parcels |
New York State is making the largest single addition in more than a century to the Adirondack State Forest.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday that the state is buying 65,000 acres of the former Finch, Pruyn & Co. land and 4,000 acres of other Nature Conservancy lands from
The Nature Conservancy to preserve it for public use.
The Post-Standard reports that the land will be sold to the state in a phased five-year contract beginning this year. Using funds dedicated for these purposes in the Environmental Protection Fund, New York will pay $49.8 million over five years, with $13 million to be paid in this fiscal year. The balance will be paid in each fiscal year through 2016-17. The State will pay full local property and school taxes on the land.
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Moose drinks along Black River Trail on western edge of Adirondack Park |
“Adding these properties to the Forest Preserve protects the incomparable and breathtaking natural resources of this region and preserves a significant portion of the Upper Hudson River watershed,” Gov. Cuomo said in a statement issued by his office. “Today’s agreement will make the Adirondack Park one of the most sought after destinations for paddlers, hikers, hunters, sportspeople and snowmobilers. Opening these lands to public use and enjoyment for the first time in 150 years will provide extraordinary new outdoor recreational opportunities, increase the number of visitors to the North Country and generate additional tourism revenue.”