State Parks Acquires New Parkland in Rockland County

ALBANY, NY (01/10/2008)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash announced today that New York State has acquired property in the Rockland County seat of New City, adjacent to High Tor State Park. The 42-acre parcel buffers High Tor State Park atop the very northern end of the Palisades escarpment.

“This area of the state is growing exponentially in population, and the resulting development is taking a toll on the region’s natural resources,” Ash said. “In fact, this property was one of the last remaining large parcels of privately owned open space land in Eastern Rockland County. Our acquisition advances two important agency priorities: the preservation of open space and the protection of existing parkland from encroaching development.”

The property was transferred to The New York State Office of Parks by The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit land conservation organization. TPL negotiated the purchase of the property from the landowner, Karen Bryant, who, with her family, has been actively involved in fostering environmentally appropriate land use in Rockland County and throughout the state for over two decades.

“Personally ensuring the protection of open space is a priceless legacy for our families, friends and neighbors,” said Bryant.

“We are thrilled to have been able to assist Commissioner Ash and the State of New York in the protection of this important property which has a special significance to the Town of Clarkstown,” said TPL project manager Philip Nicholas.

Ash noted that the property completes the connection between two sections of protected public land, including a Town park and lands owned by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. The property is woodlands, with some rock outcroppings and provides expanded access to PIPC lands on High-Tor Ridge. It offers views of New York City and the Hudson River and its 832 foot elevation is the highest point on the Palisades.

“Recently,” Ash said, “Governor Spitzer launched the Lower Hudson Valley Regional Smart Growth Initiative to help localities in this area maximize economic development while enhancing the quality of life and preserving natural resources. This parkland acquisition will aid that effort by protecting precious open space and creating connections between parks to ensure that the children growing up in these communities have a place to play, explore and learn about the natural environment.”

“Open space is an important element in Rockland’s development, and I am pleased that the State has acquired this 42-acre parcel. The acquisition of this property will ultimately enhance the quality of life for nearby residents, and preserve the land for public use by dedicating it as parkland,” said Senator Thomas P. Morahan.

“Partnering this purchase next to High Tor State Park gives us a wonderful green corridor through the heart of Rockland County,” said Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation administers 178 parks, 35 state historic sites and 19 heritage areas. For more information about state parks and historic sites in New York, please visit www.nysparks.com --30--