Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the preservation of 4,000 acres of open space in the Mid-Hudson Valley. These latest acquisition expands seven different state parks, including several in Schunnemunk State Park and Sterling Forest State Park in Orange County.
Included in the governor’s announcement is the addition of 112 acres to Sterling Forest State Park through a partnership with the Orange County Land Trust. “OCLT is proud to partner with the State on the addition of new lands to Sterling Forest State Park,” said Matt Decker, OCLT Director of Conservation and Stewardship. “We want to thank the governor for continuing to invest in new recreation opportunities and protecting the ecological integrity of State Parks in our region.”
In addition to its ecological value, the property boasts scenic, landscape-scale views that are now accessible to the public through the Doris Duke Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as the Appalachian Trail.
The State Park additions are made possible through the investment of $11.4 million through the Environmental Protection Fund and Highlands Conservation Act.


This project would not have been possible for the Orange County Land Trust without support from the Orange County Department of Planning and the Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation.
Orange County Land Trust is dedicated to preserving Orange County’s natural resources, scenic landscapes, and working farmland through voluntary conservation projects with willing landowners. For more information call (845) 534-3690 or visit www.oclt.org