Scenic Hudson Affiliate Acquires 1,178 Acres in Putnam, Dutchess Counties
John Jordan | July 26, 2018
PHILIPSTOWN—An affiliate of Scenic Hudson has protected a total of 1,178 acres of land in the eastern Hudson Highlands located in Putnam and Dutchess counties.
Slopeline, LLC, an affiliate of Scenic Hudson, acquired the land on July 19 for $12 million. Located in the towns of Philipstown, Putnam County, and Fishkill, Dutchess County, the property comprises most of Scofield Ridge and features extensive forest, rocky slopes, wetlands and streams, the environmental organization stated.
In addition to the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, key funding for the purchase was provided by Scenic Hudson’s Lila Acheson and DeWitt Wallace Hudson Valley Land Preservation Endowment.
“The land’s astonishing beauty adds immeasurably to the scenic majesty enjoyed by hikers on Breakneck Ridge and Mount Beacon, two of America’s most popular day hikes. The property’s unspoiled natural resources help ensure that residents of local communities can rely on clean drinking water reaching their faucets. Both are prime reasons this has been Scenic Hudson’s top conservation priority in the Hudson Highlands for many years,” said Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan.
“We couldn’t be more excited by this conservation victory. This acquisition embodies Scenic Hudson’s mission to preserve the Hudson Valley’s most treasured places. The land is critical for ensuring that one of the region’s most vital habitats will remain intact and will contribute to the region’s ability to adapt to climate change. We look forward to working with the community as we think about the future of this special place that we’ve worked so hard to protect,” added Steve Rosenberg, executive director of The Scenic Hudson Land Trust and Scenic Hudson senior vice president.
A large portion of the land is prominently visible from the Hudson River, many public viewpoints along it (including the Newburgh waterfront) and the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. It sits strategically between the northern and southern sections of the 8,000-acre Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. Portions of this land will make permanent the ridgetop trails connecting Breakneck Ridge and Mount Beacon, two of the Hudson Valley’s most popular hiking destinations, Scenic Hudson related.
Scenic Hudson points to the significant economic benefits the Hudson Valley’s parks and open space provides, noting that the 10-county tourism industry generates $5.3 billion in spending annually (including a combined $630 million in Dutchess and Putnam counties responsible for nearly 12,050 jobs), while its farmland is the cornerstone of a of an $800-million agricultural economy.
Editor, Real Estate In-Depth