Scenic Hudson Protects 81 Ecologically Important Acres Along Black Creek

Latest victory in campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most

LLOYD (Ulster County) -- Taking another significant step in its campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most, Scenic Hudson has purchased development rights on 81.5 acres along Black Creek, further protecting the biologically diverse landscapes around this important Hudson River tributary.

The transaction restricts future development on the property, which in January had been approved for a six-lot residential subdivision. It conserves an extensive wetlands complex containing vernal pools, hardwood swamps, a marsh, several intermittent streams and 4,200 feet of Black Creek shoreline. Preservation of this landscape, which also features a dense forest of mature eastern hemlocks and white pines as well as impressive rock ledges, safeguards an important scenic vista for those kayaking or canoeing the popular Black Creek Water Trail. Scenic Hudson Land Project Manager Matt Shipkey negotiated the purchase.

Nearly 1,000 acres of important wildlife habitats now safeguarded along creek

The transaction brings to nearly 1,000 acres the land protected by Scenic Hudson in the Black Creek Corridor, which includes ecological, scenic and recreational resources along nearly four miles of Black Creek and its environs. The corridor is part of the Plutarch/Black Creek Wetlands Complex identified in the New York Open Space Plan – a blueprint for the state's land-conservation efforts – and is a prime area for breeding and migrating waterfowl and home to a variety of sensitive wildlife habitats. The new acquisition also is within the state-recognized Grand Pond/Chodikee Lake Biologically Important Area (BIA). The A rating assigned this BIA by the Department of Environmental Conservation and a consortium of conservation partners means its habitats are of the highest importance.

"Safeguarding Black Creek and its watershed are vital for several reasons. The Hudson Valley has been called one of the world's most biologically rich melting pots, and the land along Black Creek contains some of the greatest species diversity in the region because of its varied terrain and unspoiled wetlands. Further, protection of land in the flood plains of rivers and creeks will mitigate the ecological and property damage anticipated to accompany sea-level rises and storm surges under predicted global climate-change scenarios," said Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan.

"We're all big fans of Black Creek, especially the Black Creek Wetlands Complex, which the Black Creek Water Trail passes through and our Hudson Valley Rail Trail bisects. In honor of these two great trails, we hold our annual Trails Day Breakfast at their intersection. I thank Scenic Hudson for its foresight in helping protect these assets," said Lloyd Supervisor Raymond Costantino.

Collaborative campaign targets protecting 65,000 acres

Scenic Hudson's campaign to Save the Land That Matters Most is a collaborative effort with fellow land trusts, governments, individuals and businesses to protect 65,000 acres of great scenic, ecological and agricultural significance throughout the Hudson Valley. A prime aspect of this initiative is preserving land that the state has identified as meeting the highest standards for biological resources.

"The incredibly beautiful and ecologically rich acreage along Black Creek is a critical part of what we call 'The Land That Matters Most' in the Hudson Valley. We applaud the owners whose commitment to conservation made this possible," said Scenic Hudson Senior Vice President Steve Rosenberg.

Funds for the transaction came from Scenic Hudson's Lila Acheson and DeWitt Wallace Hudson Valley Land Preservation Endowment.

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 10,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources. www.scenichudson.org

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