What an opportunity!

The Shawangunk Conservancy (TSC) has embarked on a new land acquisition project in the Northern Shawangunks. The approximately 77-acre parcel is part of a much larger holding owned by a group called The Shawangunk Conglomerate. It is situated near the very northern reaches of the Mohonk Preserve. An adjacent 10 acres of steep cliffs will be protected from development by a deed restriction. The sheer cliffs are clearly visible from both Route 32 and Springtown Road going north from New Paltz toward Tillson. As you can see from the map, the parcel fills a deep notch in the eastern edge of land that is protected on three sides by the Mohonk Preserve. It has been on the radar for decades!

For a virtual visit, CLICK HERE. The beginning and end of the video will show the forests and cliffs of the property.

TSC has signed an option agreement with the seller.Under the terms of the agreement we have until July, 2022 to close on the deal. The purchase price is $140,000. However, as the buyers, we are responsible for a number of contingency costs: environmental site assessment, survey, lot line revision, legal fees, etc. so we might need to raise as much as $200,000.

This is a rather urgent appeal to you, our members, since that’s a challenging amount of money to raise with a fixed deadline. Obtaining this parcel will fill in a critical gap in the Shawangunk Ridge that might otherwise go to private ownership with who knows what type of development!

So here it is: We need your support to purchase this precious section of the ridge which features wetlands, unique boulder fields, cliffs, and wildlife habitat. Please help make this acquisition happen. We ask that you make a donation.