UPDATED RELEASE: Newly Adopted Master Plan Designates Hallock State Park Preserve

Plan helps preserve natural character of the former Jamesport State Park

ALBANY, NY (10/21/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has adopted a master plan designating the former Jamesport State Park as the Hallock State Park Preserve, a name that reflects the area's agricultural history and the significance of the scenic Hallock's Pond in the park's ecology.

"Hallock State Park Preserve is an ideal place to experience a pristine corner of the North Shore of eastern Long, and the new name denotes the park's unique and historic landscape," Acting State Parks Commissioner Andy Beers said. "The new master plan strikes a balance between providing many avenues of outdoor recreation in the park and protecting the natural character of the coastal park. I'm grateful to area residents whose input and participation in the planning process made this master plan better, more complete and more reflective of the community."

"Having grown up two miles away, I am very pleased to see this slice of the North Fork be preserved and enjoyed by all Long Islanders for years to come," said Bryan Erwin, Chair of the Long Island State Park Commission. "Hallock State Park will represent the best of the North Fork: its agricultural heritage, its beaches and its resplendent landscape. I think the master plan captures, memorializes and celebrates all of those attributes."

"We applaud the excellent work of State Parks on developing this strong and forward thinking Master Plan for the Hallock State Park Preserve," said Albert E. Caccese, Executive Director of Audubon New York. "With more than a mile of Long Island Sound shoreline, this park provides many opportunities to connect more residents and visitors to the important natural resources found in this park, while also providing critical breeding and foraging habitat for endangered beach-nesting birds, winter habitat for shrub and forest species, and important stop-over habitat for migrating birds."

The master plan outlines OPRHP's vision for potential capital improvements, operational enhancements and natural and cultural resource stewardship within Hallock State Park Preserve for the next ten to fifteen years. The availability of funding and other pressing needs in the entire state parks system will influence the timing of the improvements. The plan is available at http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/inside-our-agency/public-documents.aspx.

The plan calls for designating Hallock a Park Preserve and Natural Heritage Area, which will help provide enhanced protection to all of the park's wildlife, flora, scenic, historic and archeological resources and minimize development of the park.

Under the plan, priority capital improvements include construction of a main park road and parking lot and eventual construction of a shore access road, park office and nature center. A variety of recreational activities will be allowed in the park, including fishing and hand-powered boating on Long Island Sound, scuba diving and equestrian use during specific times of the year. Interpretation of natural and historic resources will be enhanced by developing a formal trail system with interpretive signage and fostering links with nearby Hallockville Farm Museum and other local cultural organizations.

State Parks has reinstated the master planning process throughout the park system, and Hallock State Park Preserve is among the first to have a newly completed master plan. Park master plans define a long-term, sustainable vision for parks by helping to identify best uses for a specific site, making the most of limited resources, and protecting the environment.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 178 state parks and 35 historic sites. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com.