Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the addition of 291 acres to Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Ulster County. This expansion is intended to conserve a significant area in the northern Shawangunk Mountains and aligns with New York’s broader conservation goals, including the aim to protect 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030 as part of the global 30 x 30 Initiative.
According to Governor Hochul, “Our State Parks are some of New York’s most-treasured resources, and I’m excited to expand Minnewaska State Park Preserve to better connect future generations with New York’s parklands. Protecting open space and expanding our parks helps to improve the environment and create much-needed space for outdoor recreation.”
The newly acquired land is located in the Town of Rochester. The purchase was completed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation from the Open Space Institute Land Trust, Inc., using $641,000 from the Environmental Protection Fund. This acquisition aims to support biodiversity, protect wildlife habitats, prevent forest fragmentation in the region, and increase recreational opportunities on the north end of Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
Randy Simons, Commissioner Pro Tempore for New York State Parks, stated: “We are proud to announce this important addition to Minnewaska State Park Preserve, further protecting one of New York’s most cherished natural landscapes. This acquisition reflects our continued commitment to conservation, stewardship, and ensuring that Minnewaska remains a remarkable destination to access and discover for all who visit.”
Dene Lee Hofheinz, Senior Vice President of Land at Open Space Institute (OSI), commented: “Over the last four decades, the Open Space Institute has tripled the size of Minnewaska State Park Preserve and made it more welcoming for visitors of all ages and abilities. This latest addition to this magnificent park will continue to ensure the protection of this critical natural resource for people and wildlife. We are grateful for our partnership with PIPC and New York State Parks and the support of donors who help us make meaningful conservation happen.”
Joshua Laird, Executive Director at Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC), said: “The Palisades Interstate Park Commission is pleased that these new parcels will be added to Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Minnewaska is one of the most loved parks in New York State with its trails, carriage roads, and Visitor’s Center attracting more than a million visitors a year. Thanks in large part to our partnership with OSI, Minnewaska is now the third largest state park in New York. PIPC looks forward to continuing to work with NYS Parks and OSI to protect land for recreation, preservation, and conservation in the future and thanks our partners for their hard work bringing these lands into the park.”
State Senator Michelle Hinchey noted that funding from state environmental programs supported this expansion: “We’re thrilled to see the state Environmental Protection funding we championed coming back to Ulster County. Expanding protected lands within Minnewaska State Park Preserve means more places for people to enjoy the outdoors, which will pay dividends in strengthening our quality of life and community health while safeguarding the majestic Shawangunks and the natural resources they hold for next generation.”
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger added: “The expansion of Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a huge win for Ulster County and for more than one million people who visit this extraordinary natural treasure every year. The addition strengthens ecological resilience widens opportunities connect nature preserves breathtaking beauty Shawangunk Ridge I want thank Governor Hochul NYS Office Parks Recreation Historical Preservation their commitment conservation championing public lands enrich communities protect environment future generations.”
With this latest acquisition—bringing its total size up nearly 24 thousand acres—Minnewaska remains one largest state parks managed by New York’s Office of Parks Recreation Historic Preservation. The preserve sits atop Shawangunk Mountain ridge over two thousand feet above sea level featuring waterfalls lakes hardwood forests cliffs streams along miles trails paths open hiking biking walking.
Minnewaska also protects areas such as Peterskill stream gorge several rocky summits including Dickie Barre Ronde Barre portions Rock Hill.
The New York State Office Parks Recreation Historic Preservation manages over 250 sites statewide serving tens millions annually through diverse facilities activities.
