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Trail Conference protects 3.5 miles of rail trail in Mamakating

In the final days of December 2005, the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference concluded a long and complicated purchase of more than 140 acres in Mamakating, NY (Sullivan County), from LaFarge North America, Inc. The acquisition protects a key section of the Shawangunk Ridge Trail, which uses the abandoned rail bed on the property. Funds for the purchase were provided by capital campaign gifts to the TC Land Acquisition and Stewardship Fund.

The land abuts the Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest and contains 3.5 miles of a scenic rail trail that runs through the heart of the forest. This old abandoned rail bed starts near the junction of Route 209 and Ferguson Road north of Wurtsboro. It continues south nearly to the old train station off County Route 171 above Main Street in Wurtsboro. The property is also adjacent to the county's D&H Canal Park east of the Wurtsboro Airport.

Years ago, the northern end of the land was used as a sand and gravel quarry, and there are still remnants of some of the old cement footings and walls. The property has since reverted to a more natural environment.

This acquisition has long been a high priority for the Trail Conference and for the state Dept. of Environmental Conservation. The Conference continues to pursue contacts with the additional rail bed owners north and south of this property and hopes eventually to include these properties into the trail as well.

This newly protected land is open to the public for hiking, bird-watching, and picnicking. No motorized vehicles are allowed.

For more information about the Trail Conference and its land protection program, visit www.nynjtc.org.