(WNY News Now) – New York State and The Nature Conservancy have entered a groundbreaking agreement to permanently protect over 14,600 acres of ecologically rare and culturally significant natural resources in the Adirondacks. The collaboration includes two conservation easements and a research initiative, fostering public recreational access and freshwater ecosystem knowledge.
New York State has joined forces with The Nature Conservancy to safeguard 14,600 acres of the Adirondack region through conservation easements and a pioneering research consortium. This collaboration not only preserves ecologically vital landscapes but also enhances public recreational opportunities in the Raquette River corridor.
“New Yorkers and visitors to this special region of the Adirondacks have long recognized the singular beauty and significance of Follensby Pond and the Raquette River,” Governor Hochul said. “In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy and many partners, we are preserving a unique natural resource so that all New Yorkers can enjoy this treasured and historic region for generations to come.”
The conservation easements, set to close in early 2024, cover the Raquette River and Follensby Pond watersheds. The Raquette River easement spans 5,985 acres, offering 10 miles of river access for activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and more. Adjacent to DEC’s High Peaks Wilderness Complex, this easement balances recreational pursuits with the protection of globally rare ecosystems.
The Follensby Pond easement, covering 8,660 acres, establishes a research preserve for scientific and educational purposes. Positioned at an elevation of 1,545 feet, Follensby Pond provides a unique opportunity for freshwater research, especially regarding climate change’s impact on cold water ecosystems. The Nature Conservancy and DEC are creating a research consortium, including Cornell University and SUNY ESF, to support long-term monitoring and fisheries science.
The easements, valued at approximately $9.3 million, align with the State’s Open Space Conservation Plan and mark the largest protection of open space since the Finch Pruyn acquisition in 2012. The Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) will fund the easements, reflecting the state’s commitment to climate change mitigation, conservation, and recreational opportunities for its residents.
The partnership also emphasizes Indigenous Peoples’ access to and stewardship of their ancestral homelands. The Nature Conservancy’s collaboration with SUNY ESF’s Center for Native Peoples and the Environment ensures the incorporation of Indigenous priorities and Traditional Ecological Knowledge into the conservation efforts.
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