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Albany,
NY – November 2021 / Newsmaker Alert / Governor Kathy Hochul announced
an 860-acre expansion of Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County.
The new lands include spectacular natural habitat along an undeveloped
stretch of the Hudson River that will be known as Big Bend Point.
“The
acquisition at Big Bend Point guarantees the protection of a critical habitat
and pristine natural resource,” Governor Hochul said. “Moreau Lake State
Park is visited by hundreds of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each year
for camping, swimming, and exploring its popular trail network. With more
people than ever visiting our parks, this acreage will expand options for
outdoor recreation in the region and preserve open space in fast-growing
Saratoga County.”
New
York State Parks partnered with the Open
Space Institute (OSI) to protect the former logging site at Big Bend
Point in the town of Moreau. Bounded by two miles of the Hudson River,
Big Bend Point includes wide, established logging roads that can be converted
into an accessible trail network for year-round walking, bicycling, birding
and wildlife viewing, equestrian riding, and non-motorized winter sports
such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. State Parks plans to install
car-top boat/kayak launches, and permit hunting in-season.
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With
its sandy soils, isolation from developed areas, and open meadows, Big
Bend Point offers an exceptional habitat for thousands of native species
of plant and wildlife, including the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly.
Over the past two years, the OSI engaged in a habitat restoration project
to create a new home for the Karner Blue -- which is expected to support
a minimum of 3,000 rare butterfly specimens annually.
The
unique topography, biodiversity, and expansive acreage also offer new destinations
for Moreau Lake State
Park’s robust Nature Education program. State Parks is developing a
site plan that aims to welcome visitors in 2022.
State
Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “Supporting this new access to
Moreau State Park is another example of Governor Hochul’s commitment to
expanding outdoor recreation for New York residents and visitors. These
are wonderful places for outdoor enthusiasts to discover the Upper Hudson
River in this stunning area of New York. I’m grateful to the Open Space
Institute for helping create this new public access.”
Kim
Elliman, president and CEO of OSI, said, “OSI is proud of our 20 years
of land conservation efforts which have helped protect and expand Moreau
Lake State Park for its spectacular beauty and popular recreational offerings.
With this latest OSI addition to Moreau Lake, we are excited to say that
we have now tripled the size of this fantastic outdoor destination that
not only welcomes the public for exploration and enjoyment, but also serves
as critical wildlife habitat in this fast-growing region.”
State
Senator Daphne Jordan said, “I’m thrilled with the announced 860-acre expansion
of Moreau Lake State Park in Saratoga County, as it features scenic natural
habitat along a section of the Hudson River. It’s great to preserve land
in its natural state and provide trails and recreation for all New Yorkers
to enjoy. I appreciate the commitment and leadership of Governor Hochul
and State Parks Commissioner Kulleseid in this effort of supporting and
strengthening our public parks and treasured outdoor spaces.”
Assemblymember
Carrie Woerner said, “This expansion of Moreau Lake State Park is a wonderful
addition to an already wonderful resource. Affording easy access to trails
and the Hudson River, this acquisition will certainly please those who
already know the park and will provide even more recreational opportunities,
including year-round enjoyment of the park. The expansion also has the
benefit of protecting valuable areas of diverse habitat. I applaud the
thoughtful planning to protect this increasingly rare piece of wildness
right in our back yard.”
The
$1.6 million purchase of Big Bend Point was funded by the Environmental
Protection Fund. This acquisition brings the Moreau Lake State Park’s total
acreage to 6,250 acres, making it one of the ten largest parks in the state
park system. With its proximity to both Lake George and Saratoga Springs,
the park is attractive to visitors year-round as it offers ice fishing,
cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and other winter activities.
Over
the past 20 years, the Open Space Institute (OSI) has added more than 4,250
acres to Moreau Lake State
Park, tripling the park in size. In the area, OSI is also working with
partners to connect Moreau Lake and Saratoga Spa State Parks via a 13-mile
recreational trail corridor outlined as part of its Southern Palmertownconservation
and recreation plan.
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New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees
more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails and
boat launches, which were visited by a record 77 million people in 2019.
A recent university study found that spending by State Parks and its visitors
supports $5 billion in output and sales, 54,000 private-sector jobs and
more than $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on
any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit NYS
Parks website, connect with us on Facebook,
or follow on Instagram
and Twitter. The free New
York State Parks Explorer mobile app is available for iOS and Android devices.
To download, visit: Google
Play Store, NY State Parks Explorer App or Apple
Store, NY State Parks Explorer App.
Source
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Contact:
Governor’s
Press Office
518-474-8418
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov |
