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The Highlands: Our Backyard Paradise 2005 Update

our backyard paradise 14901 9/6/05 10:30 AM Page 2

Message from our Co-Chairs Table of Contents

he Highlands are the backyard of several of 3 The Highlands: Our Backyard Paradise Tthe nation’s largest metropolitan areas, but they are changing fast. We must take decisive 4 Highlands Values action to safeguard the water, beauty and life of this nationally significant region. The successful preservation of Sterling Forest provides a model 6 Highlands at Risk of the state and federal partnership that is needed to protect critical treasures throughout this very 7 Campaign to Protect the Critical Treasures special and threatened region.

The members of The Highlands Coalition look 8 The Highlands Region Map forward to working with the millions of Americans who love and depend on these lands to help preserve them for the benefit of future generations. 10 Critical Treasures of

12 Critical Treasures of

Sam Pryor, III & Franklin E. Parker 14 Critical Treasures of New York Honorary Co-Chairs The Highlands Coalition 16 Critical Treasures of Connecticut

18 A Vision for the Future and Call to Action

19 Regional Board • Contacts • Credits 14901 9/6/05 10:30 AM Page 3

The Highlands: Our Backyard Paradise

n the backyard of the nation’s most densely populated Iregion lie over three million acres of forested ridges, pure streams, lakes and reservoirs known as the Highlands. These ridges stretch across Pennsylvania from the Maryland border, and into northwestern New Jersey, New York’s lower Hudson Valley and the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut. This eastern-most extension of the Appalachian Mountains forms a vital greenbelt for the Philadelphia, New York and Hartford metropolitan areas.

The Highlands are an essential source of drinking water, clean air, critical wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities for the 25 million people who live within one hour’s drive of the region.

In the following pages you will discover the Critical Treasures of the Highlands and learn about the ongoing efforts of the Highlands Coalition – a group of over 100 organizations – to protect these lands and waters. Your help is needed and we ask you to please support this important effort.

Eighty percent of the nationally significant Highlands landscape is unprotected from poorly-planned residential, commercial and industrial development. Action is necessary at all levels of government to secure the drinking water and quality of life for millions of Americans.

Photos: (cover) NYC from Ramapo Mts., NJ in the Highlands by George Aronson; frostflower/pitch pine/Minisceongo Creek, NY by Tom Cunningham; flycatcher ©S.J.Lang/VIREO; 3 (inside cover) Dunderberg Mountain, NY by Tom Cunningham; (this page) Black Mtn. overlooking Silver Mine Lake, NY by Tom Cunningham 14901 9/6/05 10:30 AM Page 4

Highlands Values

WATER

Undisturbed forests protect water quality in Highlands reservoirs, aquifers, watersheds and waterways, reducing the need for costly artificial water treatment facilities. Forested watersheds in the Highlands also help prevent soil erosion and destructive downstream flooding.

There are over 1,860 miles of trout streams, which are an indicator of high water quality, and over 535 miles of canoeable rivers in the New York-New Jersey portion of the Highlands. Mighty rivers such as the Delaware, the Hudson and the Housatonic flow from their headwaters in the Highlands region.

The Highlands provide and protect water supplies for more than fifteen million people, including much of Philadelphia, New York City, Hartford and over half the population of New Jersey.

4 Photos: vernal pond in CT Highlands by Alden Warner; Wanaque Reservoir, NJ by George Aronson; Minisceongo Creek, NY by Tom Cunningham 14901 9/6/05 10:30 AM Page 5

BEAUTY LIFE

The Highlands region is a tapestry of diverse The Highlands are home to a remarkable forests, scenic ridges, sparkling waterways diversity of life, nourished by verdant forests, and productive farmlands, which enriches lush wetlands and clean waterways. Black the lives of residents and visitors alike. bear, river otter, bobcat, and wild trout are among the Highlands’ surprising Each year, there are more than 14 million inhabitants, while its forested ridges are visits to the region’s 484,000 acres of public essential migration corridors for raptors and lands for outdoor recreation including over 70 species of neotropical songbirds that camping, birdwatching, hunting, fishing, fly from Latin America to breed and nest. biking, paddling and hiking the Appalachian and Highlands Trails. Hundreds of thousands Nearly 55 percent of the NY-NJ Highlands of acres have exceptional scenic value. provide important habitat for 247 rare, threatened or endangered species of plants The Highlands are also rich with historic and animals. Large, unbroken tracts of forest communities and sites that connect us provide the critical core interior habitat to our past, in addition to farms, orchards important species require for survival. and vineyards which help preserve pastoral vistas and support local economies and Forests also moderate temperature, communities. The outstanding landscapes filter the air, and combat global warming. of the Highlands provide a high quality One mature tree produces $600 worth of of life for our families and attract tourists pure oxygen per year, while an acre of to the region. forest captures 31 tons of carbon dioxide and 13 tons of pollutants annually.

Photos: Monksville Reservoir, NJ by Wilma E. Frey; American bittern/fisherman by Tom Cunningham; black-throated blue warbler by S. Maslowski/USFWS 5 14901 9/6/05 10:30 AM Page 6

Highlands at Risk

SPRAWL THREATENS THE HIGHLANDS

Permanent protection is in place for only about 20 percent of the NY-NJ Highlands and 14 percent of the four-state Highlands region. The majority USDA FOREST SERVICE REPORT of the Highlands is under intense pressure from poorly-planned residential, commercial and The New York-New Jersey Highlands Regional industrial development that threatens to Study: 2002 Update highlights recent land-use undermine the water supply and quality of life for trends and makes alarming predictions about the millions of residents in this densely populated area. future of the Highlands region. A similar analysis of the CT and PA portions of the region is Fragmentation and alteration of interior forest expected in the near future. habitats pose the greatest threats to Highlands • Over 25,000 acres of land were developed in biological communities. Since 1984, 65,000 acres the NY-NJ Highlands between 1995 and 2000. in the NY-NJ Highlands – a total area of over 100 • Nearly 300,000 acres of critical watershed square miles of contiguous forest – have been lost lands are unprotected. to development. • Current development trends could reduce the Over 5,000 acres of the NY-NJ number of watersheds with exceptional value water quality by 75 percent. Highlands are lost to sprawl • Continuing development trends could cause each year. groundwater shortages in many watersheds. • Eighty percent of the Highlands is privately owned and vulnerable to development. Too Much at Risk • Prime interior forest habitat is decreasing rapidly, putting wildlife dependent upon large forested areas at serious risk. 20% NY-NJ Highlands • The loss of wetland and forestland quadrupled between 1984 and 1995, reaching 3,400 acres Protected land 80% per year. Unprotected land • Under current zoning the region’s population could increase by 48 percent. • Twenty municipalities experienced greater than 20 percent population growth between 1990 and 2000. • Build-out of remaining developable lands could be reached in 20-30 years.

6 Photos: acres for sale by John McKeith/EarthImagery; development in Lower Milford Twp., PA by Wildlands Conservancy/T. L. Gettings; Tilcon Inc.’s Quarry in Haverstraw, NY 14901 9/6/05 10:30 AM Page 7

Campaign to Protect the Critical Treasures

he Highlands Coalition has identified nearly 100 “Critical TTreasures,” or priority conservation areas in the four-state Highlands region, where additional lands need to be preserved. Increased federal, state and local funding for land acquisition is needed to protect these special places.

The Federal Government must partner with state and local governments in the Highlands region to protect the Critical Treasures of this nationally significant landscape. Responsible planning at the state, regional and local levels is needed to protect natural resources and foster smart growth.

The successful preservation of Sterling Forest offers a model for land conservation partnerships that should be emulated throughout the region.

Conserving the priority lands and resources of the Highlands region will ensure the protection of water, forests, wildlife and the quality of life for millions of people and future generations.

Photos: pond at sunset by Darryl J. Nicholson; mountain laurel by Wilma E. Frey; pitch pine on Storm King Mtn., NY by Tom Cunningham 7 14901 9/6/05 10:30 AM Page 8 14901 9/6/05 10:31 AM Page 9

Vision MAP 14901 9/6/05 10:31 AM Page 10

Critical Treasures of Pennsylvania

ennsylvania’s Highlands wander through Northampton, PLehigh, Bucks, Berks, Montgomery, Chester, Lebanon, Lancaster, Dauphin, York, Cumberland, Adams and Franklin counties, stretching from the Maryland to the New Jersey border. Streams flowing from Highlands ridges supply water to Allentown in the north and Reading, Pottstown, Philadelphia and the in the south.

Natural areas such as Haycock Mountain, Spring Mountain, Unami Hills, Ridge Valley Creek, Oley Hills and Hosensack Swamp are home to many threatened and endangered species and native brook trout. The Highlands region also contains many important bird breeding areas, such as Quakertown Swamp, Tohickon and Tinicum Creeks and the Hopewell Big Woods, the largest contiguous forest remaining in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Historic properties from the iron ore industry are concentrated in the Pennsylvania Highlands. Notable sites include Sally Anne Furnace, Mine Hill and Hopewell Furnace, which attract many visitors to the area. The region’s scenic and productive farmland, such as Stouts Valley in Northampton County, preserves rural community character.

Protecting these lands will help safeguard clean drinking water for Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley, and improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.

10 Photos: blue heron by Jeremy Woodhouse; Northampton Co. farmland/whitewater sport by Wildlands Conservancy/T. L. Gettings 14901 9/6/05 10:31 AM Page 11

ith ap w w m ndary ne bou nded exte

PENNSYLVANIA Critical Treasure Areas

Bougher Hill Hosensack Swamp Oley Hills South Mountain (Northampton Co.) (Lehigh Co.) (Berks Co.) (Northampton Co.) Birdsboro Waters Little Lehigh Creek Pine Creek Watershed Stone Hill (Berks Co.) Watershed (Berks Co.) (Montgomery Co.) (Lehigh Co.) Cooks Creek Watershed Quakertown Swamp Stouts Valley (Bucks Co.) Lehigh Canal & Corridor (Bucks Co.) (Northampton Co.) Greenway Rapp Creek Watershed Tinicum Creek Watershed Durham Mine/Mine Hill/ (Northampton & Lehigh Co.) Rattlesnake Hill (Bucks Co.) (Bucks Co.) (Bucks Co.) Middle Creek Wildlife Ridge Valley Creek Tohickon Creek Watershed Management Area (Bucks Co.) (Bucks Co.) Furnace Hills (Lancaster & Lebanon Co.) (Lancaster Co.) Rock Hill Unami Hills Mt. Penn (Bucks Co.) (Montgomery Co.) Glen Morgan Lake (Berks Co.) (Berks Co.) Saucony Creek Watershed Upper Perkiomen Narrows (Berks Co.) Creek Watershed Great Marsh (Adams Co.) (Montgomery Co.) (Chester Co.) Watershed Neversink Mountain (Northampton/Lebanon/Berks/ Welsh Mountains Haycock Mountain (Berks Co.) Lehigh/Bucks/Montgomery/ (Lancaster Co.) (Bucks Co.) North Branch French Chester Co.) Hay Creek Watershed Creek Watershed Spring Mt. (Berks Co.) (Berks & Chester Co.) (Montgomery Co.)

Photo: South Mountain climber by Wildlands Conservancy/T. L. Gettings 11 14901 9/6/05 10:31 AM Page 12

Critical Treasures of New Jersey

ost people don’t think of scenic forested ridges, Mrocky cliffs, tumbling trout streams and hundreds of lakes, ponds and reservoirs when they think of New Jersey. But New Jersey’s Highlands are where the pavement ends and nature begins.

The seven Highlands counties – Bergen, Passaic, Morris, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon and Somerset – contain wild places: a broad diversity of forests, wetlands and grasslands; federally threatened and endangered wildlife and plants; historic structures and archaeological heritage sites; and miles of rugged trails, including both the Appalachian and Highlands Millennium Trail.

Over half of New Jersey’s citizens – more than four million people – rely on the Highlands for their drinking water.

Suburban sprawl is the greatest threat to the Highlands’ drinking water supply, forests, farms, wildlife habitat, and historic, recreational and scenic resources.

12 Photos: cerulean warbler ©A. Morris/VIREO; Lake Gerard/Pequannock Watershed from Highlands Trail, by Wilma E. Frey 14901 9/6/05 10:31 AM Page 13

NEW JERSEY Critical Treasure Areas

Farny Highlands Pohatcong Creek Valley Sparta Mountain Greenway (Morris Co.) (Warren Co.) (Sussex & Morris Co.) Hamburg Mountain Pohatcong Grasslands Upper Passaic River Headwaters (Sussex Co.) (Warren Co.) (Morris & Somerset Co.) Upper South Branch Raritan (Hunterdon Co.) (Warren Co.) River Watershed (Hunterdon & Morris Co.) Musconetcong River Valley and (Hunterdon, Morris & Warren Co.) Ramapo River Watershed Wallkill River Valley (Bergen & Passaic Co.) (Sussex Co.) North Branch Raritan River Watershed Rockaway River Watershed Wyanokie Highlands/ (Hunterdon, Morris & Somerset Co.) (Morris & Sussex Co.) Wanaque Watershed (Passaic Co.) Pequannock Watershed Schooley’s Mountain (Passaic, Sussex & Morris Co.) (Morris Co.) Pequest River Valley (Sussex & Warren Co.) (Warren Co.)

Photos: hiker/Long Pond Ironworks furnace/Rockaway Creek by Wilma E. Frey 13 14901 9/6/05 10:31 AM Page 14

Critical Treasures of New York

ew York’s Highlands sweep across Rockland, Orange, Putnam, NWestchester and Dutchess counties. The mountains - some over 1,000 feet high - create awe-inspiring views, perhaps best known at the point where the Hudson River cuts through their steep slopes. The region’s geology has helped inspire many great parks: Harriman, Bear Mountain, Fahnestock and Sterling Forest. This large swath of unfragmented forest and the 6,000-acre Great Swamp together protect the water supply for millions of people in New York City and northern New Jersey.

Though thousands of acres of New York’s Highlands are preserved as parkland, many important areas remain unprotected. Orange, Putnam and Dutchess are among the fastest growing counties in New York State. Critical Treasures such as Torne Valley and parts of Sterling Forest, which buffer the Ramapo River, plus much of New York City’s Croton watershed lands are privately owned and face intense development pressure. Residential, commercial and industrial development in these areas will be a detriment to future water supplies and could forever alter the unique qualities - so lovingly depicted by the Hudson River School painters over 100 years ago - that give the New York Highlands their value and symbolism.

Over 30,000 acres of New York City’s Croton watershed in Putnam and Westchester Counties are unprotected.

14 Photos: Bear Mountain moonrise/porcupine/mountain laurel on Mt. Taurus by Tom Cunningham; Cedar Pond, Sterling Forest by George Aronson 14901 9/6/05 10:31 AM Page 15

NEW YORK Critical Treasure Areas

Fishkill/Beacon Ridge New York City Croton Schunnemunk Mountain/Moodna (Putnam & Dutchess Co.) Watershed Lands Creek/Woodcock Mountain (Orange Co.) Fort Montgomery Gateway (Westchester & Putnam Co.) (Orange Co.) Northern Putnam Greenway Taconic Ridge (Dutchess Co.) Goosepond Mountain Link (Putnam Co.) (Orange Co.) Torne Valley (Rockland Co.) Great Swamp (Orange Co.) (Putnam & Dutchess Co.) Ramapo Mountains and Wallkill Valley Farmland (Orange Co.) Greater Sterling Forest Ramapo River Watershed (Orange Co.) (Orange & Rockland Co.) Hudson Highlands/ Fahnestock Link (Putnam Co.)

Photos: Cedar Pond, Sterling Forest by George Aronson; Hudson Highlands hiker by Tom Cunningham 15 “Hudson Highlands Sunset”, Jasper F. Cropsey, undated, Oil on Canvas 14901 9/6/05 10:31 AM Page 16

Critical Treasures of Connecticut

onnecticut’s Highlands stretch northward from the New York Cborder through Fairfield, Litchfield and Hartford counties to the Massachusetts line. These forested hillsides, active farmlands and spring-fed lakes provide some of the most spectacular vistas in the four-state Highlands region.

The pristine Schenob Brook wetlands in Salisbury filter impurities and replenish the water supply for thousands of people in the Housatonic River Valley. Just to their east, many unusual plants grow in the rare soils of the Canaan Lime Cliffs. Home to tiny migratory songbirds, bear and bobcat alike, this corner of Connecticut hosts the longest stretch of riverside on the eastern seaboard.

The Connecticut Highlands may be irreparably damaged within 20 years as vast tracts of farmland and forest are developed at twice the rate of the region’s population growth.

The beauty of the Connecticut Highlands belies the constant threat of unplanned development they face. Fragmentation of critical habitat will degrade important watershed areas and forever alter the landscapes that define a sense of place in northwestern Connecticut.

Photos: timber rattlesnake ©Geoff Welch; wild columbine by Alden Warner; Knifeshop Pond in Litchfield by Darryl J. Nicholson; 16 Appalachian Trail hiker at Rand’s View by Wilma E. Frey 14901 9/6/05 10:32 AM Page 17

CONNECTICUT Critical Treasure Areas

Bald Mountain Lake Waramaug Watershed (Litchfield Co.) (Litchfield Co.) Blackberry River Watershed Macedonia Brook Watershed (Litchfield Co.) (Litchfield Co.) Boardman Bridge New Fairfield Scenic Area Agricultural Area (Litchfield Co.) (Fairfield Co.) Bull's Bridge Scenic Area Nepaug River Watershed (Litchfield Co.) (Litchfield & Hartford Co.) Canaan Lime Cliffs Robbins Swamp (Litchfield Co.) (Litchfield Co.) Canaan Mt. Salmon Brook Watershed (Litchfield Co.) (Hartford Co.) Candlewood Mountain/ Schenob Brook Watershed Vaughn's Neck (Litchfield Co.) (Litchfield & Fairfield Co.) Sharon/Salisbury Farmington River Canal Agricultural Area (Hartford Co.) (Litchfield Co.) Farmington River Wild Shepaug Watershed & Scenic Area (Litchfield Co.) (Litchfield & Hartford Co.) Shepaug Greenway Farmington Valley (Litchfield Co.) Agricultural Area Skiff Mountain Wildlife (Hartford Co.) Management Area Furnace Brook Watershed (Litchfield Co.) (Litchfield Co.) Stanley Works Goshen/Litchfield Scenic Area Agricultural Area (Litchfield Co.) (Litchfield Co.) Traprock Ridges Highland Lake Watershed (Hartford Co.) (Litchfield Co.) West Aspetuck Aquifer Housatonic River Greenway (Litchfield Co.) (Litchfield Co.) Winchester Lake Watershed Kent Falls Watershed (Litchfield Co.) (Litchfield Co.)

Photos: Farmington River/Silas Hall Pond, Norfolk/bloodroot by Alden Warner 17 14901 9/6/05 10:32 AM Page 18

A Vision for the Future and Call to Action

he future of the Highlands - this region of water, beauty and life - is imperiled. TUnless immediate action is taken, poorly planned residential, commercial and industrial development will continue to consume our remaining forests and farmlands, threatening the drinking water supplies for millions. Critical wildlife habitat, significant recreation opportunities and scenic beauty will disappear.

Fortunately, some important forward steps have been taken to preserve this backyard paradise! In 2004, the federal Highlands Conservation Act (HCA) was enacted after five years in the making, authorizing $100 million over ten years in matching funds for land acquisition in the four Highlands states. At the state level, the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act became law, mandating a Highlands regional plan and more stringent environmental standards, and creating a Highlands Council with regulatory oversight. In 2005, Pennsylvania voters approved a $625 million bond referendum that will provide additional conservation dollars for the Highlands. We need to ensure that these initiatives are fully and effectively implemented and build support for additional conservation programs to protect the priority lands and natural resources of the region.

We still have an opportunity to secure this precious but threatened greenbelt surrounding the nation's most densely populated metropolitan region. The Highlands should remain a place of forested ridges and pastoral valleys that provides clean water and air, fertile soil for working farms, homes for wildlife and scenic places to recreate.

We have a responsibility to save the Highlands now, or the plentiful water, beauty and quality of life we enjoy today will be only a distant memory for our children and future generations.

We ask for your help and support in this undertaking.

18 Photos: Dunderberg Mtn. Falls, NY/beaver by Tom Cunningham; Appalachian Trail hikers above Greenwood Lake, NY/NJ by Wilma E. Frey; (next page) Iona Bird Sanctuary, Bear Mountain State Park, NY by Tom Cunningham 14901 9/6/05 10:32 AM Page 19

Please join us today to ensure the future of this region of water, beauty and life. For more information, contact:

The Highlands Coalition P.O. Box 118 Thanks Titusville, NJ 08560 Funding for this publication was provided tel: (609) 737-7263 by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation fax: (609) 737-7264 [email protected] and The New York Community Trust. www.highlandscoalition.org Contacts NEW JERSEY The Highlands Coalition includes more than William O’Hearn 100 national, state, regional and local NJ Highlands Regional Planning Director organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, [email protected] New York and Connecticut working together Wilma Frey to protect and enhance the sustainability of NJ Project Director, Highlands Coalition natural and human communities in the Highlands. New Jersey Conservation Foundation [email protected] NEW YORK Theodore Eisenman Regional Board of NY State Director, The Highlands Coalition Highlands Coalition [email protected] Adirondack Mountain Club Appalachian PENNSYLVANIA Mountain Club Association of NJ Environmental Todd Stell Commissions Berks County Conservancy PA Outreach Coordinator, Environmental Defense Garden Clubs of America Highlands Coalition Heritage Conservancy Housatonic Valley [email protected] Association Kent Land Trust Morris Land Credits Conservancy Natural Lands Trust NJ Audubon Society NJ Conservation Foundation NY-NJ Trail MAPPING: Conference Open Space Institute PA Environmental Bret Magdasy Council Palisades Interstate Park Commission GIS Specialist, Appalachian Mountain Club Passaic River Coalition Regional Plan Association [email protected] Scenic Hudson Sierra Club, NJ Chapter The Nature Conservancy NY The Nature Conservancy CT GRAPHIC DESIGN: Karen Parry | Black Graphics The Wilderness Society Trust for Public Land Westchester Land Trust Wildlands Conservancy 2005 UPDATE: Dawn Serra Communications Coordinator, For a list of all Highlands Coalition members, Highlands Coalition please go to: www.highlandscoalition.org [email protected]

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“From the forest and wilderness

come the tonics and barks

which brace mankind.”

– Henry David Thoreau, 1851

theou Highlands:r backyard paradise