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General News: Land Trust Launches 2012 Year End Appeal
December 12, 2012
From Caroline Hamling
The Orange County Land Trust recently launched its 2012 annual year end appeal with a mailing to people and businesses throughout the county to raise much needed funds for the continued protection of Orange County’s open spaces, wildlife habitats and working farms.
Funds from this year’s drive will support several specific conservation projects for 2013, including the creation of a public nature preserve on 187 acres of land in the towns of Chester and Blooming Grove, accessible via the Heritage Trail. The land is comprised of valuable wetlands, meadows and forested lands, and will be protected for wildlife habitat and public education and recreation. The Land Trust will hold a visioning session in the spring, inviting public input on trails, educational signage and other amenities.
The Land Trust also seeks funds to continue their collaboration with Palisades Interstate Parks Commission, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Open Space Institute, NYS DEC, Storm King Art Center, Black Rock Forest Consortium, and Hudson Highlands Land Trust on the protection of connecting lands in Cornwall, Mountainville and Salisbury Mills. These protected adjacent lands would ensure a quality wildlife habitat and forever pristine landscape for this region.
According to Jim Delaune, Executive Director of Orange County Land Trust, donations from the public are needed to pay for costs associated with the placement of conservation easements including surveys, appraisals, recording fees, legal fees and professional staffing. Donations are also utilized to steward conserved lands, which can include site visits and mapping, trail maintenance, and forest and wildlife management.
According to Executive Director Jim Delaune, a majority of the Land Trust’s funding comes from donations from people and businesses in communities throughout Orange County. The remainder of the Trust’s funding comes from Orange County, state, federal and privately-funded grants, and from interest from three gifted endowment funds managed by the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan.
“We rely on the generosity of people in our communities to enable us to protect the natural resources and lands that help Orange County remain a beautifully scenic and economically vibrant county,” said Delaune.
“We know there are many worthy causes to support in this time of great need. We hope people in Orange County will continue to support the important work we do, which benefits all who live and work here, and will have lasting economic and environmental benefits for generations.” he added.
The Orange County Land Trust has helped preserve nearly 4,700 acres of land since it’s formation in 1993. This includes twelve working farms, ecologically rich wetlands, old growth woodlands and scenic lands. The Land Trust owns and manages 11 nature preserves, seven which are open to the public for nature study and recreation, and two which are actively farmed. The Land Trust holds numerous nature-based educational events and outdoor guided hikes for children and adults throughout the year.
For more information, including volunteer opportunities, ways of giving to the Orange County Land Trust, and upcoming events call (845) 343-0840, x12 or visit www.oclt.org. Become a fan of the Orange County Land Trust on Facebook, for news, information and current events.
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