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The Shawangunk ridge is a very significant ecological habitat containing:
    Sam's Point: Photo by Steven Schimmrich
  • globally significant dwarf pine forests
  • rare pitch pine forests
  • numerous rare plant and animal species
  • important ecological systems

The Shawangunk Ridge Biodiversity Coalition has spent the past six years conducting extensive research into this very unique environment to understand what is needed to preserve the ecological health of its biological communities.

Based on the scientific information gathered, six conservation targets have been identified. These represent major "ecological systems" that contain several natural communities, rare species populations, declining and vulnerable species. The goal of this on-going effort is to develop a coordinated protection and management plan that will assure sufficient lands are protected for these important ecological systems to survive.

More information about the Shawangunk Biodiversity Partnership can be obtained by contacting Glen Hoagland at the Mohonk Preserve.