January 11, 2024: The Orange County Land Trust is pleased to announce its acquisition of the 309-acre Sugar Loaf Mountain property!
Thank you to all of our generous
supporters and project partners for helping to make this possible.
Make a Donation to the Orange County Land Trust
Your generous support will ensure the protection of the Sugar Loaf Mountain property, and other irreplaceable natural landscapes and working farms.
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About the Project:
The Orange County Land Trust (OCLT) has entered into a one-year option agreement with the landowner to purchase over 300 acres of forest, agricultural land, and rocky summit comprising Sugar Loaf Mountain.
A Boost to Public Access, Recreation, and Local Business
The Sugar Loaf Mountain property is privately-owned and as such, public access to its breathtaking summit has long been prohibited. Upon OCLT's acquisition of this iconic property and subsequent transfer to NYS Parks as an addition to the adjacent Goosepond Mountain State Park, the public will finally have first-ever access to the land for hiking and other forms of passive recreation and enjoyment. Facilitating the creation of a trail system that would connect the center of the "Arts & Crafts village" shops to the mountain's summit will boost local business and tourism. Visitors from across the region that come for the mountain trails, will stay for the shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities provided by the many merchants and storefronts that line the historic Kings Highway.
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A Boost to Biodiversity
Protecting the Sugar Loaf Mountain property has not only been a priority for local residents, but for conservationists as well. The "Rocky summit grassland" habitat found on the property was designated by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (per their NY Natural Heritage Program)," a "Significant natural community." The land is located in a "Significant Biodiversity Area" and "Important bat foraging area," with particular importance for rare plants and terrestrial animals. This project is also important for water quality, as the land is situated within the Moodna Creek Watershed and features a number of streams and intermittent brooks.
By purchasing this pristine landmark, we can permanently protect water resources, forest, and wildlife habitat, while securing the first-ever public access to the mountain for outdoor recreation.
Donations from members of the community, like you, help make projects like these possible.
Visit our website at www.oclt.org for more information If you would like to make a donation by phone, or for information about recurring gifts, bequest giving, employer matching gifts, and our corporate sponsorship program, please call us at 845-534-3690, x10.
(Credits: Sugar Loaf sign photo courtesy of Orange County Tourism. All other photos courtesy of Nick Zungoli. Artwork by Tim Hull/Kory Trolio.)
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