New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
11/21/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/21/2024 13:21
State Parks Announces 152-Acre Expansion for Lake Taghkanic State Park in Columbia County
November 21, 2024
(518) 486-1868 | [email protected]
Environmental Protection Fund Acquisition Supports State Preservation Goals in Line with Global 30 x30 Initiative Efforts
Land Acquisition a Result of Collaboration with State Parks and Columbia Land Conservancy
New York State Parks today announced an acquisition of 152 acres adjacent to Lake Taghkanic State Park located in the Towns of Taghkanic and Gallatin, in Columbia County. This property expansion enhances the park's trail network and establishes a buffer between the park and any nearby development. The addition of these acres also supports the State's goal to conserve 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030, in line with the global 30 x 30 Initiative to protect the world's lands and waters.
"State Parks is grateful for this significant addition to Lake Taghkanic State Park -- a parcel full of diverse wetlands, woodlands, and old agricultural fields that provide habitats for a variety of flora and fauna," said New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. "This acquisition also supports our commitment to environmental stewardship and will keep the northeast corner of Lake Taghkanic State Park forever wild."
Acquired by the Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) from landowner Helene D. Jaffe, the parcel was recently sold to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (State Parks) with funding support from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).
Columbia Land Conservancy President Troy Weldy said, "Purchasing this property is a win for the environment and everyone who enjoys visiting Lake Taghkanic State Park. Not only is this land incredible wildlife habitat, it will also make it possible to expand the park's trail system. CLC is grateful to The Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation for a loan they provided that enabled us to quickly purchase this property and protect it from potential future development."
The 152 acres of new state park land is part of the Mid-Hudson Wildlife Corridor, a large unbroken forest recognized as critical for wildlife habitat, climate change resiliency, and drinking water that spans from the Appalachian Mountains into Canada. Purchasing this land ensures this forest corridor will remain intact. The project was supported with a Program-Related Investment Loan from The Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation.
"This property will increase access to the outdoors for New Yorkers, will offer visitors increased hiking opportunities, and expand the habitat protection at Lake Taghkanic State Park. Working with CLC and Ms. Jaffe on this strategic acquisition was a testament to the power of strong partnerships," said Linda Cooper, Taconic Regional Director of New York State Parks.
"I'm so pleased with this outcome," said landowner Helene D. Jaffe. "The enjoyment of the property by generations of our family and friends has been due, in large part to its proximity to and the resources of Lake Taghkanic State Park. It brings me great happiness to know that future generations - of people and wildlife! - will also be able to enjoy the property for years to come."
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov , download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
The Columbia Land Conservancy brings people together to conserve, appreciate, and enjoy land. For nearly 40 years, CLC has collaborated with individuals, communities, and partners to ensure Columbia County is a beautiful, livable, resilient place. For additional information, call 518.392.5252 or visit ColumbiaLand.org.