Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) touted the addition of nearly 1,200 acres to three state parks in the Hudson Valley, including 179 acres in the town of Cornwall which will serve as part of a future trail connection between Schunnemunk State Park, the not-for-profit Black Rock Forest, and Storm King State Park. The land, acquired from the Open Space Institute, will also protect a major Orange County watershed containing significant wildlife habitat. Additional acreage was also incorporated into Hudson Highlands and Clarence Fahnestock state parks.
“Preserving open space and expanding our state parks is critical to ensuring local residents and visitors continue to experience the Hudson Valley as the natural oasis it is,” said Senator Skoufis, whose Senate District includes Schunnemunk State Park. “I am delighted to see this expansion right in our backyard and applaud the Governor for her leadership and love of the parks system.”