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Trail expansions announced in the Hudson Valley

An agreement has been reached to preserve nearly 1,100 acres in the Hudson Valley, adding approximately 10 miles to two of the state's most scenic and popular trails - Long Path, which runs through the Catskill Mountains, and the Shawangunk Ridge Trail in the Shawangunk Mountains.

The Long Path is a popular 275-mile hiking trail running from the George Washington Bridge in New York City through the Catskills Forest Preserve to John Boyd Thacher Park near the City of Albany. The Shawangunk Ridge Trail is a 35-mile trail running along the spine of the spectacular Shawangunk Mountains, providing a link between the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey and the Long Path in New York.

The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference will pay approximately $1.7 million for 25 trail parcels totaling 917 acres along the Shawangunk Ridge Trail. The NYNJTC is working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to transfer ownership of the properties to the State. The properties are located in the City of Port Jervis and the towns of Greenville, Deerpark, Mount Hope, Durham and Windham and extend through Orange and Ulster counties. The State will use money from the Environmental Protection Fund to acquire the property. The NYNJTC, working with DEC, has spent more than eight years acquiring and combining the parcels from numerous owners into larger trail assemblages.

In addition, 157 acres in the towns of Durham and Windham, Greene County, will be transferred from the State Office of General Services to DEC, and will extend and protect areas near the Long Path. The property will preserve natural areas along the ridgeline between Mount Hayden and Ginseng Mountain. Transfer of jurisdiction to DEC will ensure the long-term protection of the trail corridor and its natural resources.

The Shawangunk Ridge is listed as a priority project in the State Open Space Conservation Plan in recognition of its unique natural resources, abundant recreational opportunities and scenic significance. During the past decade, the State has acquired more than 7,000 acres along the ridge and connecting linkages to the Catskill Park, investing more than $7 million from the EPF to conserve this important natural asset.

The Long Path is the main north/south hiking trail corridor in New York State. Increased public ownership of the Long Path will protect this valuable and unique hiking experience. This project also will provide watershed protection, including the protection of resources in the New York City Watershed, and enhance access to state forests.
www.midhudsonnews.com/News/trail_exp-02Sep05.htm