Friends of the Shawangunks acts to support, conserve and protect the open spaces of the Shawangunk Mountains. 

In pursuit of its mission, representatives of Friends  

• appear at public hearings to challenge various proposals and permits affecting development along the Shawangunk ridge,
• conduct public outreach campaigns to inform and educate the public about threats to the Shawangunks, and
• take legal action, when necessary, to stop development in environmentally sensitive lands of the Shawangunks.

We write letters, post signs, and speak out at administrative hearings, all in protest of any encroaching development that would have a negative impact on the unique environment and beauty that is the Gunks.  We publish the Shawangunk Watch, a newsletter aimed at exploring the natural resources of the Shawangunks and highlighting the imminent threats to its natural integrity and unmatched scenic character.  We continue to push for rigorous land use controls designed to preserve the unique character of the Shawangunks.