Study Finds Important Habitat, Rare Wildlife Would be Lost if Massive Pine Plains Development Goes Ahead

PINE PLAINS -- An ecological assessment conducted by Scenic Hudson of the proposed Carvel Property Development in Pine Plains, Dutchess County, concludes the project would irreparably fragment an important wildlife habitat, contributing to the loss of rare species.

In testimony before the town planning board on Friday, Feb. 29, Dr. Michael Klemens, Scenic Hudson's director of conservation science and a renowned conservation biologist, stated that while the proposal by the Durst Organization and Landmark Land Company for the 951-unit development is touted as being environmentally sound, it actually is "ecologically damaging" and reflects a lack of pre-planning to protect the site's important natural resources.

"While the Durst Organization has earned well-deserved praise for its energy-efficient buildings in New York City, the proposed development plan for the Carvel property does not meet criteria for sustainable development in a rural context. A project of this scale and design causes widespread harm to important habitat and wildlife species through irreparable fragmentation of over 2,200 acres of rich Hudson Valley open space," said Dr. Klemens.

Dr. Klemens presented a conservation analysis that delineates the ecologically significant aspects of the property and offered to meet with the planning board at greater length to further explain his analysis and conclusions.

Project would cause extinction on the site of rare reptiles and amphibians

Although the Durst Organization has publicly claimed that 76 percent of the site is dedicated to open space, Dr. Klemens found that only 446 acres -- or about 20 percent -- are actually dedicated as open space, with much of this consisting of wetlands that could not be developed. This land is scattered throughout the development and carved into small parcels, diminishing if not extinguishing its conservation value. In fact, half of the project's open areas are 10 acres or less, and none is larger than 62 acres. As a result, the project destroys much of the habitat that rare species depend on at different stages of their lives, as well as the vital connections between those habitats.

"Under the proposed development scenario, the ecosystems of the overall site are so fragmented as to virtually ensure the extinction of all the extant populations of amphibians and reptiles on that site designated by the state as species of special concern," stated Dr. Klemens. Such species face increasing risks, making it likely they eventually will be designated threatened or endangered.

"This unacceptable loss of significant native biodiversity is a result of the lack of any rigorous ecosystem-based pre-planning analysis to guide the proposed development. The developers seem to have assumed that the natural resources of the site would magically rearrange themselves around their design," added Dr. Klemens.

Dr. Klemens' explained that the property provides important habitat for at least four species of special concern -- the Jefferson salamander as well as box, spotted and wood turtles. The protection of box and spotted turtles on this site is most urgent because the land is on the northern edge of the reptiles' native range limit. This means they are best adapted among their species to colonize further northward as temperatures rise because of global climate change. All of these species have become increasingly scarce in the southern Hudson Valley because of sprawl and over-development.

Dr. Klemens offered the Pine Plains Planning Board Scenic Hudson's help to make the development more ecologically friendly. "This entire project needs to be rethought with stewardship of the natural environment the guiding principle of site planning and design. Scenic Hudson would welcome the opportunity to begin a dialogue with the planning board to create a true conservation development on the Carvel property," he said.

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

###