The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and The Nature Conservancy in New York today announced the State’s acquisition of two conservation easements that together provide public recreational access, protect natural resources, and establish a first-of-its kind research preserve on the Follensby Pond property. This announcement follows the historic agreement announced by Governor Kathy Hochul to permanently protect more than 14,600 acres of ecologically unique and historically significant Adirondack forests, wetlands, and watershed.
The Nature Conservancy retains ownership of the Follensby property and New York State has acquired two conservation easements that protect in perpetuity these natural resources in the Adirondacks. Conservation of these properties is identified as a high priority in the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan, and acquisition of these conservation easements advances New York State’s efforts to conserve 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030, in line with the global 30×30 initiative to protect the world’s lands and waters.
Raquette River Recreational Access Conservation Easement