Mohonk Preserve 2016 Year in Review

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Mohonk Preserve 2016 Year in Review Mohonk Preserve 2016 Year in Review Dear Supporters, Strong nonprofit organizations make a significant social impact. We are grateful for your generous support which ensures that Mohonk Preserve’s social impact goes well beyond just protecting the treasured Shawangunk Mountains. By inspiring people to care for, enjoy and explore their natural world, the Preserve’s social impact is seen in peoples’ connection to nature and what they are inspired to do as a result of those experiences to make our world a better place. Now more than ever, we need people who are ready, willing and able to actively safeguard and support conservation of our natural lands. With your help, we bring people of all ages closer to the nature in their lives, and through their experiences on the land, help them to foster a deep and unbreakable bond with and respect for how nature works to sustain all life on our planet. You are helping us to train the next generation of conservationists with our college internships, teen Junior Rangers and Youth Nature Ambassadors programs, elementary school field studies, and our Young Explorers summer day camps. Your support also allows us to engage citizen scientists in our nature observation and Climate Tracker programs. And you are helping us to save key conservation lands for people, plants and animals through our land protection and stewardship programs. In this time of national and local concern about protecting our natural resources and safeguarding the health of our communities, the Preserve is stepping up our efforts with your generous support. A recent national study found that less than 13% of the population hikes, but thanks to members and supporters like you, we’ve helped 20,000 of our neighbors get into healthy outdoor activities through our free Healthy Ulster pass program. Even our lands are hard at work year round. Did you know that our 8,000 acres of protected forests save 9,100 metric tons of carbon each year from being released into the atmosphere, and provide clean drinking water naturally-filtered by our groundwater aquifer? Thanks to your integral support of the Preserve, the land, and these programs, the Preserve works year- round to have a positive social impact on our community, region and beyond. You are the folks who make it all possible and we’re proud to partner with you in this important work as we continue in our 54th year of saving the land for life. With gratitude, Glenn Hoagland, President Jim Hoover, Board Chair 2016 YEAR IN REVIEW Mohonk Preserve By The Numbers 200,000 VISITORS 15,000 MEMBERS 300+ VOLUNTEERS 14,000 VOLUNTEER SERVICE HOURS 8,000+ ACRES PROTECTED Photos top to bottom: View of the Trapps by Gerald Berliner; Hikers on Bonticou Crag by June Archer; Climbers on Carbs and Caffeine (5.11b) by mohonkpreserve.org Christian Fracchia; Trail construction by 845-255-0919 Susan Lehrer; Jolly Rovers Trail Crew by Emily Hague; Millbrook Ridge by Gerald Berliner 2016 YEAR IN REVIEW Land Protection PROTECTED additional acres of the 61 Shawangunk Mountains Region PROTECTED 49 acre Ramey Parcel featuring frontage on the Coxing Kill, forested seeps and talus slopes PROTECTED acre12 Vlachos Parcel featuring small cliff exposures and hemlock, hardwood and pine forests 1/3of the total boundary monitored 16conservation easement monitoring visits OVER 8,000 acres of mountain ridges, forests, fields, streams, ponds and other unique and beautiful places PROTECTED Photos top to bottom: Boundary Monitoring by Emily mohonkpreserve.org Hague; View of the Ridge by Scott A. Jordan; Ramey 845-255-0919 Parcel by Emily Hague; Vlachos Parcel by Emily Hague; Boundry Marker by Ed Pestone; Mohonk Preserve Foothills by Scott A. Jordan 2016 YEAR IN REVIEW Land Stewardship trail improvement 4 projects completed with partners NY-NJ Trail Conference Jolly Rovers Trail Crew Bruderhof Woodcrest Community San Miguel Academy 2.7miles of Trapps Carriage Road resurfaced from Trapps Bridge to Lyons Road people91 provided with emergency services 28 Ranger service days responding to wildfire operations 50+ Staff and program students certified in First Aid and CPR by Chief Ranger Andrew Bajardi Photos top to bottom: Trail Keepers by Jeffrey D. Haines; Jolly Rovers Trail Crew by Emily Hague; Trapps Carriage Road by Glenn D. Hoagland; Rescue Training by mohonkpreserve.org Amanda Rogers; Wildfire Operations by Eric 845-255-0919 Hepperle; San Miguel Academy of Newburgh Wilderness First Aid Training by Jay Diggs; 2016 YEAR IN REVIEW Conservation Science 120years of continuous weather data 43,800+ days of volunteers recording the weather MESONET Mohonk Preserve established as an automated Mesonet Weather Station site delivering real-time weather data 7,500+ hawk observations recorded by citizen scientists during North America's annual Hawk Migration Week 40+ citizen scientists contributed 8,000+ observations recording bird arrival dates, plant bloom dates, and mammal and insect emergence 100+ years of unparalleled research, collections, and natural history embodied in the Mohonk Preserve Daniel Smiley Research Center continuing our knowledge of nature into the next century. Photos top to bottom: American Kestrel banding by Marc Sweet; Climate Trackers by Christy Belardo; Mesonet Weather Station mohonkpreserve.org by Elizabeth Long; Hawk Watch by 845-255-0919 Jacob B. Reibel; Phenology by Susan Lehrer; DSRC Archives by Janet Lee Bachant 2016 YEAR IN REVIEW Environmental Education 4,600+ children served 15% increase from 2015 150 campers participated in our expanded summer camp programs NEW PROGRAM Project- Based Learning NEW PROGRAM Youth Nature Ambassadors NEW PROGRAM Weather and Climate Change Concerns and Solutions Photos top to bottom: San Miguel Academy of Newburgh by Renee Zernitsky; Pond Keepers program by Connie mohonkpreserve.org DeDona; Summer Camp by Anna Harrod; Project Based Learning Program by John 845-255-0919 Decker; Youth Nature Ambassadors by Susan Lehrer; San Miguel students at the Daniel Smiley Research Center by Christy Belardo 2016 YEAR IN REVIEW Financial Highlights 2016 PUBLIC SUPPORT & REVENUE $5,104,635 Includes long term support: endowment gifts $295,252 & unrealized gains $412,060 2016 EXPENSES $4,187,294 2016 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION Assets 12/31/2016 12/31/2015 Current Assets $2,254,939 $1,948,365 Investments $3,610,828 $3,846,864 Endowments $5,843,913 $5,455,359 Land $6,684,487 $6,270,209 Fixed Assets $7,083,507 $6,866,566 Total $25,477,674 $24,387,363 Total Assets $25,477,674 $24,387,363 Liabilities and Net Assets Liabilities Payables $439,887 $429,287 Deferred Revenue $7,105 $105 Note Payable $3,080,204 $2,924,835 Total Liabilities $3,527,197 $3,354,227 Net Assets $21,950,477 $21,033,136 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $25,477,674 $24,387,363 Photos Top to Bottom: Millbrook Ridge from West Trapps by Gerald Berliner; mohonkpreserve.org View of the Trapps from Millbrook Ridge by Gerald Berliner 845-255-0919 A Tradition of Giving Donor Acknowledgments Mohonk Preserve is grateful to all those who contribute in-kind gifts and services, and those who support our Auction. This generosity enables us to carry out our mission. We have made every attempt to ensure that these listings are accurate. Please let us know if you feel there have been omissions or errors. These lists represent gifts received between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. Photo: Bonticou Crag by Kate Schoonmaker Bequests Endowment Planned testamentary gifts to the Protecting the Shawangunk Ridge for Preserve honor an individual’s vision future generations requires robust to protect the place they care for funding that will endure as long as most. We are deeply grateful for the land itself. A perpetual investment the generosity of those people who in the Preserve, endowment gifts are include the Preserve in their estate invested into our permanent capital plans. In 2016 the Preserve received base, creating an annual source of bequests from the following: income to fund critical operations. Named endowments permanently Rev. Carol C. Cruikshank recognize an individual’s or family’s deep commitment to the Preserve. Margaret Hall* The following funds have been established with a gift or pledge of Marian Harris $50,000 or more: Ruth T. Marsh Keroden Endowed Fund Mr. Arthur Moss Matthew Bender IV Endowment Thom Scheuer The Sean E. Davis Endowment Fund The Estate of Lyman Spitzer, Jr. Philip Allan Carlson Doris Wilson Education Endowment John E. Winkler Vincent R. Clephas Endowment Jim and Mary Ottaway Endowment *Legacy Society Member Salt Family Endowment Lisa and David Endowment Photo: Students from San Miguel Photo: Bobolink by Maxine Kamin Academy of Newburgh by Jay Diggs Beverley J. Keith Joanne L. Kirk Legacy Society Ronald and May Knapp Bob Larsen and Barbara Rubin Carol B. LeFevre We are honored to acknowledge Jean A. Lerner the following group of extraordinary Richard and Barbara Marsh donors and their families who have Douglas and Regina McCorkle connected their legacy with the Thomas McCrumm Preserve’s future either through their Lynn E. McGrew will, a gift annuity, chartable trust, Jane N. Meckling insurance policy, or other estate Steven Miller and Elisa Gonzalez planning instrument. Joan Mitsner Martin Molitoris and Anissa Kapsales Thomas J. Murphy Anonymous (6) Annie O’Neill Jim and Lee Amigh Carol N. Sherwood Pettee Robert Anderberg and Jon Pettee and Elaine LaFlamme Thomas and Carol Phelan Burton and Anka Angrist Pearl G. Rainey Muriel Ayres Steven and Linda Ranney Michael Batcher and Shelly Stiles Gretchen Reed Valclav E. Benes John Reilly Matthew Bialecki Seymour V. Reit and Edmee B. Reit John B. Blenninger Carol S. Rietsma Peter Bort Tomm G. Robinson Joseph Bridges Susan Fox Rogers John Careccia Roger Roloff and Barbara Petersen June Carlson Kris Ryan-Clarke and Jeff Clarke Andrew Clegg Betsy A.
Recommended publications
  • Here It Gradually Loses Elevation Approaching Lake Awosting
    DRAFT Sam’s Point Preserve Master Plan May 30, 2009 Draft Master Plan Sam’s Point Preserve Cragsmoor, New York Prepared by: The Nature Conservancy Open Space Institute Sam’s Point Advisory Council Completed: (May 30, 2009) Contacts: Cara Lee, Shawangunk Ridge Program Director ([email protected] ) Heidi Wagner, Preserve Manager ([email protected] ) Gabriel Chapin, Forest and Fire Ecologist ([email protected] ) The Nature Conservancy Eastern New York Chapter Sam’s Point Preserve PO Box 86 Cragsmoor, NY 12420 Phone: 845-647-7989 or 845-255-9051 Fax: 845-255-9623 Paul Elconin ([email protected]) Open Space Institute 1350 Broadway, Suite 201 New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212-629-3981 Fax: 212-244-3441 ii Table of Contents Table of Contents ii List of Tables iii List of Figures and Maps iv List of Appendices v Acknowledgments vi Executive Summary vii Introduction A. The Northern Shawangunk Mountains 1 B. A Community Based Conservation Approach 4 C. History of Sam’s Point Preserve 4 D. Regional Context - Open Space Protection and Local Government 7 I. Natural Resource Information A. Geology and Soils 10 B. Vegetation and Natural Communities 11 C. Wildlife and Rare Species 15 II. Mission and Goals A. Mission Statement 18 B. Conservation Goals 19 C. Programmatic Goals 20 D. Land Protection Goals 20 III. Infrastructure A. Facilities Plan 26 B. Roads and Parking Areas 27 C. Trails 32 D. Signage, Kiosks and Access Points 35 E. Ice Caves Trail 36 iii IV. Ecological Management and Research A. Fire Management 38 B. Exotic and Invasive Species Control 42 C.
    [Show full text]
  • February/March 2021 NYS Conservationist Magazine
    NEW YORK STATE $3.50 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 MovingMa\,inga a MMOOSEQOSE Getting Outdoors in Winter Counting the Fish in the Sea Winter’s Beauty CONSERVATIONIST Dear Readers, Volume 75, Number 4 | February/March 2021 During these challenging times, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of New York State I encourage you to take advantage DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION of the opportunities we have to Basil Seggos, Commissioner enjoy nature. For some people, Erica Ringewald, Deputy Commissioner for Public Affairs Harold Evans, Director of Office of Communication Services this time of year provides a THE CONSERVATIONIST STAFF chance to enjoy various outdoor Eileen C. Stegemann, Managing Editor winter adventures, while others Peter Constantakes, Assistant Editor look forward to the coming Tony Colyer-Pendas, Assistant Editor Megan Ciotti, Business Manager change of season, with warming Jeremy J. Taylor, Editor, Conservationist for Kids temperatures, the disappearance Rick Georgeson, Contributing Editor of snow, and di˜erent ways to get outside. DESIGN TEAM In this issue, we highlight some amazing photos of Andy Breedlove, Photographer/Designer Jim Clayton, Chief, Multimedia Services New°York’s winter beauty and celebrate a great winter Mark Kerwin, Art Director/Graphic Designer sport—snowmobiling—which can be enjoyed on more than Robin-Lucie Kuiper, Photographer/Designer 10,000 miles of trails throughout the state (pg. 12). You can Mary Elizabeth Maguire, Graphic Designer Jennifer Peyser, Graphic Designer also read about a native Floridian who moved to New York Maria VanWie, Graphic Designer and learned to cross country ski – and how that changed his EDITORIAL OFFICES view of the heavy snowfall we experienced this winter.
    [Show full text]
  • Restoring the Big East with Big Beasts: Ecosystem Recovery and Economic Sustainability in Adirondack Park
    PRESS RELEASE July 2, 2015 Restoring the Big East with Big Beasts: Ecosystem Recovery and Economic Sustainability in Adirondack Park Is the Adirondack Park viable habitat for a sustainable population of cougars? Protect the Adirondacks hosts Christopher Spatz, President of the Cougar Rewilding Foundation, at the Paul Smith’s Visitor’s Interpretive Center on Sunday July 5th at 11 AM. For more information: Peter Bauer, Executive Director, Office 518.685.3088, Cell 518.796.0112 Lake George, NY – Protect the Adirondacks will host Christopher SPatz, President of the CouGar RewildinG Foundation, at the Paul Smith’s College Visitor’s Interpretive Center on Sunday July 5th at 11 AM as Part of its 2015 annual meetinG. SPatz’s Presentation is entitled “RestorinG the BiG East with BiG Beasts: Ecosystem Recovery and Economic Sustainability in Adirondack Park.” In 2015, the Cougar Rewilding Foundation published “Yellowstone East: The Economic Benefits of RestorinG the Adirondack Ecosystem with Native Wildlife,” which makes the economic case for reintroducinG and suPPorting a robust carnivore population in Adirondacks, such as the couGar. RePorts of couGars in the Adirondacks have Persisted for years in the Adirondack Park without verifiable evidence, with the one exception of a cougar that traveled through the Adirondack Park in 2007. Protect the Adirondacks manaGes a CouGar Watch Project, which has collected more than two dozen credible sightings over the Past two years. On the issue of the return of couGars to the Adirondacks, SPatz wrote: “The Adirondacks are missinG four native meGafauna, four sPecies whose millennial Presence created the Adirondack ecosystem: elk, bison, wolves and couGars.
    [Show full text]
  • NENHC 2011 Program Guide
    WED WEDNESDAY APRIL 6, 2011 9:00–5:00 NY Natural Heritage Program's 2011 Invasive Species Database Symposium 12:00–9:00 Conference Registration Open 12:00–9:00 Conference Registration Open On-going Focus on Nature: Best of the Best exhibit in the NYS Twenty years of natural history illustration: an exhibit in the NYS Museum Museum during the Focus on Nature (FON) began as a small, three day exhibit of works by natural history illustrators with a connection to conference New York State. The purpose was to focus on the scientific values of the artwork for the benefit of the attendees of the 1990 Northeast Natural History Conference. From these humble beginnings, FON has grown to be an international, juried, biennial exhibit that attracts hundreds of submissions from dozens of countries. The notoriety of this exhibit highlights the increased interest in natural history illustration, the interconnectedness of illustrators all over the world, and the impressive talents of artists specializing in this genre. Artistic skill as well as the educational value of the FON artworks inspired the first Purchase Award. The pieces acquired through purchase and donation now number eighty- seven. Of these, the selected works are the curator's choice of those that best represent the long-standing goals of FON. This exhibit will be on display in the New York State Museum for the duration of the conference. On-going Live Exhibition of Herps from the Northeast — in the Northeast Gallery New York State Museum Behind-the-Scene Tours: All tours start in the Museum
    [Show full text]
  • Visitor Perceptions of Crowding: an Exploratory Study in the Mohonk Preserve
    VISITOR PERCEPTIONS OF CROWDING: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY IN THE MOHONK PRESERVE Kevin Grieser of some 40 miles of foot trails and 32 miles of carriage P.O. Box 109 roads. Adding to the Preserve’s extensive trail system are Rifton, NY 12471 two neighbors: the 12,000-acre Minnewaska State Park [email protected] with annual visitation of 250,000 and 56 miles of hiking Chad Dawson, Ph.D. opportunities and 25 miles of biking opportunities; and SUNY ESF the 2,200-acre Mohonk Mountain House with more than 100,000 overnight guests, 50,000 day visitors Rudy Schuster, Ph.D. (participating in meals or events) annually, and 85 miles SUNY ESF of trails and carriage roads. Visitors paying to access any one of the sites have free access to the other two. Abstract The Mohonk Preserve is New York State’s largest member Based on its mission, two of the main objectives of the and visitor supported nature preserve with over 9,000 Mohonk Preserve are providing for contemplation, members and 150,000 visitors annually. The Preserve recreation, and visitor use in keeping with the peace and has experienced a slow and steady increase of visitors natural beauty of the land and promoting a concerned since the 1950s and in response to this increasing use understanding of the relationship between humans and and resource impacts, the Preserve developed a land nature. As visitor numbers to the Preserve have steadily management plan in 2000, which organized the Preserve increased over that last few decades, this objective has into 11 units based on high and low visitor use.
    [Show full text]
  • 2017 Newsletter
    LET’S TALK IT OVER AT MOHONK A TRADITION OF CONNECTING Mohonk PEOPLE THROUGH DIALOGUE NUMBER 28 Consultations AUTUMN 2017 Nature Across Boundaries: Keeping Lands and Waters Connected “Scientists and conservation practitioners have learned that protecting biodiversity requires maintaining or restoring large, intact habitats that are connected to one another and to their associated ecological processes. Planning for such protection requires a landscape-wide perspective.” (J. Wilkinson, S. Vickerman, and J. Lerner in “Nature in Fragments” 1) “The Rensselaer Plateau east of Albany NY is estimated to be the fifth largest forested region in New York State. Its forests still exist in relatively large continuous blocks with few dividing roads. .” Rensselaerplateau.org/wildlife -- Photo courtesy of Nate Simms. The large landscapes of the Hudson Valley have historically been celebrated for their untouched beauty and sense of wildness. Painters and authors were inspired by the scenery and allure of the Catskill Mountains; vacationers sought retreat in the forests and lakes of the Shawangunk Ridge. Thanks to land preservation and management, these and other large, intact ecosystems remain in our region, such as the Hudson Highlands, the Albany Pine Bush, the Rensselaer Plateau, the Shawangunk grasslands, and the large freshwater wetlands of the Great Swamp (in Dutchess and Putnam counties).2 Nature cannot function in isolation, however, and decades encircles ridgelines. These “fragmenting” patterns also of land use change have altered the landscape, leaving impact smaller natural areas, such as vernal pools, many protected areas disconnected from other natural meadows, woodlands, and shrublands, where poorly- areas. Highways and roads criss-cross large forests; planned developments often compromise habitat value for culverts and dams sever streams and rivers; development wildlife.
    [Show full text]
  • HUDSON VALLEY, NY Gunkswine.Com WINE Winery Guide & Trail Map Hudson Valley, NY HUDSON VALLEY, NY #Gunkswine Nestled Between the Magnificent Shawangunk
    Shawangunk Wine Trail P.O. Box 526 Marlboro NY 12542 845-256-8456 HUDSON VALLEY, NY GunksWine.com WINE Winery Guide & Trail Map Trail & Guide Winery Hudson Valley, NY Valley, Hudson HUDSON VALLEY, NY VALLEY, HUDSON #GunksWine Nestled between the magnificent Shawangunk HUDSON VALLEY, NY Mountains, affectionately called “the Gunks,” and the majestic Hudson River in Ulster & Orange Counties of NY lies the 80-mile Shawangunk Wine Trail, a group of 15 diverse wineries, located 60 miles north of NYC and 60 miles south of Albany NY. Our wineries are as diverse as the wines themselves: Brand new facilities and refurbished barns upwards of 200 years old, production of over 100,000 cases of wine and production of less than 2,000 cases. Each winery strives to produce world class wines and introduce you to the wonderful welcome! wines of our Hudson River Region! Our Unique Wineries Each member winery has its own unique flavor and vibe. At some of our wineries, you’ll find live music and special events, at others you’ll find talks and lectures. Some wineries serve food, some encourage you to bring your own picnic. Some have amazing vistas or intriguing wine cellars; some wineries are historic, some brand new. Regardless, we know you’ll find something on your visit that will make you say, “WOW!” Taste the Hudson River Region! We invite you to come to our special seasonal events, each designed to Tasting on the Shawangunk Wine Trail showcase our members, the beautiful is a palate-pleasing experience for everyone. Hudson Valley, and of course..
    [Show full text]
  • Thomas L. Cobb Papers, 1975 •Fi 2005
    Thomas L. Cobb Papers ARL 022 Thomas L. Cobb Papers 1975-2005 ARL 022 QUANTITY: 4 boxes ACCESS: Open to research ACQUISITION: Unknown PROCESSED BY: Margie Amodeo Biographical Note: Thomas Cobb’s earned a Bachelors degree in civil engineering from RPI and a Ph.D. from the School of Environmental and Resource Management, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He served in the Peace Corps in Honduras and Peru from 1967-1970 working on rural community development and earthquake reconstruction. He was Director of the Ecological Forestry Program for the National Parks and Conservation Association; a lecturer for the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell; Associate Environmental Analyst at the Environmental Management Bureau; Manager of Saratoga Spa State Park, OPRHP; Park and Recreation Specialist on the NYS Commission on the Adirondacks in the 21st Century, Natural Resources Specialist and NYS Trails Coordinator, Planning and Research Bureau, NYS OPRHP, and Manager Minnewaska State Park Preserve. He was Trustee and President of the Association for the Protection of the Adirondacks, Founding Director of the New York Parks and Conservation Association, Chairman of the Trail Use Policy Committee of the NYS Erie Canal Recreationway Commission, Secretary of the New York State Trails Council, Chairman of the NYS Forest Preserve Centennial Committee on the “Forever Wild Covenant,” Instructor of “The Future of the Adirondack Park at Skidmore College, and Chairman of the Adirondack Research Center and Library at Union College. Scope and Content Note: The collection contains his many published articles related to environmental management and recreation resources, book reviews, correspondence, course related materials, lecture notes, materials relating to his work on the Commission for the 21st Century, and correspondence.
    [Show full text]
  • A HIKER's MAP of the MOHONK LAKE REGION in The
    INTRODUCTION GENERAL INFORMATION SAFETY INFORMATION PUBLICATIONS GUIDELINES FOR HIKERS Welcome to Mohonk. Mohonk Mountain House grounds off er miles The hiking routes around Mohonk represent AVAILABLE IN THE GIFT SHOP The following guidelines have been established to ensure of marked trails and roads on 1,200 acres. every degree of diffi culty. The carriage roads, everyone’s enjoyment of our tranquil resort: Self-Guided Walks A HIKER’S MAP We are pleased you have chosen to The Mohonk Preserve, which adjoins the paths, and trails have been constructed Historical Features of the Mountain House • No pets. visit us. Mohonk is a family-owned resort, provides an additional 7,500 acres of to minimize disturbance to the outdoor The use of drones, or other radio-controlled devices, is the Shawangunk Ridge. A total of 85 miles of environment. In choosing a route, please Histories of the prohibited. and operated resort. Since its Mohonk and the Smileys: Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the grounds. beginning in 1869, environmental hiking trails are accessible from the doorstep take into account your skills as well as the A National Historic Landmark Picnicking can be enjoyed at Sky Top or the Lily Pond. Please of Mohonk Mountain House. natural hazards associated with mountain awareness and responsible and the Family That Created It MOHONK LAKE respect our natural environment, and carry out what you carry in. hiking. Remember that weather conditions can The Summerhouses of Mohonk Proper attire includes shirts and shoes at all times. stewardship have allowed Mohonk Biking and horseback riding are permitted on make paths and trails extremely hazardous.
    [Show full text]
  • Minnewaska State Park
    Minnewaska State Park Preserve Master Plan: Executive Summary Executive Summary Introduction The Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) and the Executive Director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) are proposing to adopt and implement a master plan that will guide the future protection and management of Minnewaska State Park Preserve (the Preserve). Following the most recent major land acquisitions at the Preserve, including the Sam’s Point area and Awosting Reserve, it was recognized by OPRHP/PIPC that the 1993 Master Plan for the Preserve should be updated. Two Public Information meetings were held on July 8 and 10, 2008 to gather information from the public. The 1993 Master Plan recognized the significant natural, cultural, scenic and recreational resources of the Preserve. This 2010 Final Master Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement (the Plan/EIS) was developed with the same preservation minded approach. This Plan/EIS outlines recommendations to improve safety, resource protection, recreation and Preserve operations. Preserve Background The property comprising the Preserve has evolved from a private summer resort to its use today as a State Park Preserve. The historic and extensive carriageway system within the Preserve serves as a framework for access and use throughout the Preserve. The Preserve consists of over 21,000 acres of forested lands and lakes located along the Shawangunk Mountain Range (the Shawangunks) in Ulster County, New York. This includes over 9,000 acres acquired since the Preserve’s creation in 1971. Environmental Setting The topography of the Preserve is a combination of vertical cliff faces, steep talus slopes and a relatively flat ridge top.
    [Show full text]
  • App B APB Pine Barrens Viability Assessment
    Appendix B. Albany Pine Bush Pine Barrens Viability Assessment Albany Pine Bush Pine Barrens Viability Assessment Quantifiable indicators of pine barrens size and extent, fragmentation and edge effects, prescribed fire regime, and biotic patterns Prepared for: Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission Prepared by: Jason Bried Preserve Ecologist And Neil Gifford Conservation Director November 2008 Albany Pine Bush Pine Barrens Viability Assessment November 2008 Table of Contents Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................... 3 I. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 4 Planning & Conservation Target .......................................................................... 4 Albany Pine Bush .................................................................................................. 6 Coarse vs. Fine Filter Monitoring ........................................................................ 8 Assessment Framework ......................................................................................... 8 Literature Cited................................................................................................................. 12 II. Size & Extent .............................................................................................................. 17 Habitat amount .................................................................................................... 18
    [Show full text]
  • Biking Along Scenic Vistas and Through Charming, Historic Communities
    HUDSON RIVER VALLEY GREENWAY Combined meeting of Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, Inc. Hudson River Valley Greenway Communities Council, and Greenway Heritage Conservancy HRV, Inc. October 26, 2016 Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Library Hyde Park, NY Minutes Conservancy Members Present Berky, Jennifer Schwartz, Conservancy Secretary Burke, Kevin, Acting Chairman, Conservancy Treasurer Daniels, Jane, Conservancy Member Lanzetta, Cindy, Conservancy Member Marra, Donald P., Conservancy Member McLaughlin, Jayne, Conservancy Treasurer Yarabek, Stefan, Conservancy Member Conservancy Members Present by Phone Griffen Sara, Conservancy Member Conservancy Members Present by Proxy Murray, Dennis, Conservancy Member Council Members Present Aldrich, J. Winthrop, Council Member Altieri, Vincent, Rockland County Council Member Ames, Ned, New York City Council Member Downey Margaretta, Dutchess County Council Member Elliott, Robert, Westchester County Council Member Head, Betty, Albany County Council Member Helsmoortel, Greg, Ulster county Council Member Mazzarella, Sally, Council Member McHenry, Barnabas, Chairman, Greenway Council Saland, Stephen, Council Member von der Heide, Linda, Rensselaer County Council Member Yaun, Johanna, Orange County Council Member Council Members Present by Proxy Galef, Sandra, Council Member, NYS Assembly Member Delegates Present Cooper, Linda, Joint Delegate for Commissioner, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Ethier, Jamie, Joint Deputy Delegate for Secretary of State Jobson,
    [Show full text]