HUDSON RIVER – A group
of USMA cadets is in the process of building a new bridge to replace a
40-foot wooden structure on Bannerman’s Island in the Hudson River.
The bridge was originally supported by a tree on either side and led
from the residence on the north trail over a ravine to the summit.
Bannerman’s Island Trust Executive Director Neil Caplan said the cadets started the work this past fall.
“The end of October they put the footings in April they will be building the bridge,” Caplan said. “Their task is to get all of the permits from New York State Parks, and to design it and then build it.”
The cost of materials is being covered by a donor of the trust.
The state owns the island off the shore of the southern portion of the Town of Fishkill and the trust maintains it.
The island, with the remnants of a Scottish-style castle and a residence, has become a popular nature preserve for hiking and historic tourism.
